Archive · 12 Aug 2026
Overloaded ferry capsizes on Lake Kariba leaving 44 dead
A big passenger boat called a ferry was carrying people across Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe.
The boat, named Mbuya Nehanda, was carrying many more people than it was allowed to carry — the law said no more than 90.
On Tuesday, the boat tipped over in rough weather, and lots of people ended up in the water.
Sadly, at least 44 people have died, and search teams are still looking for anyone who may be missing.
Earlier, officials had said 15 people had died and 27 people were still missing.
Rescuers in speedboats and a helicopter saved 77 people, first taking them to a small island for safety.
The ferry is very important to families who live near the lake, because it helps them reach Kariba town and other communities.
Leaders are trying to find out exactly why the boat tipped over — it may have been too full, or the waves may have been too strong, or the engine may have failed.
Government officials have suggested calling the accident a national disaster because it hurt so many people.
An overcrowded ferry capsized on Lake Kariba on Tuesday; Zimbabwe police raised the death toll to at least 44 on Wednesday.
The vessel, Mbuya Nehanda, operated by Zimbabwe's Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), was carrying at least 114 adults and five crew members despite a licensed capacity of 90.
The Civil Protection Unit earlier reported 15 dead and 27 missing, and an unknown number of unticketed children may also have been aboard.
Rescue teams using speedboats, a helicopter, divers and specialist underwater personnel saved 77 survivors, who were first taken to an island on the lake.
Zimbabwe's disaster authorities recommended declaring the accident a national disaster; the cause is under investigation, with a witness citing rough weather and a possible engine failure.
- Who
- Passengers and crew of the Mbuya Nehanda ferry, operated by Zimbabwe's Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA); rescue teams included police, army personnel, divers and a helicopter crew.
- What
- An overcrowded passenger ferry capsized on Lake Kariba; police say at least 44 people died, while earlier Civil Protection Unit figures were 15 dead and 27 missing.
- When
- Tuesday, with the death toll raised on Wednesday.
- Where
- Lake Kariba, on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
- Why
- The ferry was overloaded beyond its 90-passenger capacity and overturned in rough weather; the exact cause remains under investigation.
- Death toll (police update)
- At least 44
- Earlier CPU figures
- 15 dead, 27 missing
- Survivors rescued
- 77
- Vessel
- Mbuya Nehanda ferry
- Operator
- Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA)
- Registered capacity
- 90 passengers
- Confirmed on board
- At least 114 adults and 5 crew members
- Location
- Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe–Zambia border
Sources
A Ferry Capsizes on Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba, Leaving at Least 15 People Dead and 27 Missing
Lake Kariba ferry accident: 44 dead after overcrowded boat capsizes in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe ferry mishap: 15 dead, 27 missing after overloaded boat capsizes on Lake Kariba
