Capsized ferry in Zimbabwe leaves at least 15 dead, 27 missing: rescue services
An overcrowded ferry capsized on Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba after encountering strong waves, resulting in at least 15 deaths and 27 people missing. Rescue operations are currently underway with specialized aquatic units deployed to search for survivors among the 119 people originally on board.
Why it matters
The incident highlights critical safety and regulatory failures in maritime transport in the region, as the vessel was operating significantly above its passenger capacity.
At least 15 people were killed, and 27 remain missing when an overcrowded ferry on Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba capsized, authorities said on Wednesday (August 12, 2026).
The boat, which provides transport between the northern town of Kariba and several islands and fishing camps, overturned on Tuesday (August 11, 2026) after hitting strong waves.
It was carrying 114 adult passengers, five crew members and some children despite a capacity of 90 people, a statement from Zimbabwe's civil protection unit (CPU) said as the search for the missing continued.
"So far, 77 passengers have been rescued by Matusadonha rescue teams and others," the CPU said, adding that "15 bodies have also been retrieved", and two funeral parlours have been engaged to collect the bodies for processing.
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