Survivors tell of horror of Zimbabwe ferry sinking as police say death toll hits 46
Survivors Tell of Horror of Zimbabwe Ferry Tragedy
Poinews.com – A harrowing tale of survival and loss has emerged from Lake Kariba, where a ferry disaster claimed at least 46 lives. A man who survived the tragedy told the AFP news agency on Thursday how he watched helplessly as passengers tried to save themselves, with his best friend and seven of his relatives among the dead. The overloaded government ferry, a vital transportation link for villagers and fish traders around the vast lake, overturned in choppy waters on Tuesday in one of the country's worst passenger boat disasters in recent history.
"Thank God that a wave pushed the sinking vessel and we managed to climb on top," Chance Siyamavhu said at a memorial service in the lakeside town of Kariba close to the border with Zambia. The 45-year-old survivor described the terrifying moments when the boat capsized, with most passengers scrambling to grab life jackets but many not knowing how to use them properly.
Rescue Efforts and Rising Death Toll
Dozens of mourners gathered in front of 44 coffins at the emotional service, as police announced that the death toll had risen to 46. "The names of the victims who perished in the accident will be released in due course," a police statement said. Officials revealed that the boat was authorised to carry 90 people but was packed with 114 adults, five crew members and an unspecified number of children, making it severely overloaded.
"Our relatives were swept in another direction and they sank because we were not in a position to help them," Siyamavhu recalled, describing the heart-wrenching moment he could not save those closest to him.
The civil protection unit confirmed that 77 people were rescued from the sinking ferry, but there were fears that other passengers may still be unaccounted for. Survivors said they had pleaded for the captain to turn back as the boat took on water, but it was too late. Anymore Chambati, who had been a security official on the vessel, told AFP he had tried desperately to hand out life jackets as the boat began to sink.
"I managed to only give not more than 10," he said. "The ferry engines were filled with water because of the heavy winds and eventually they failed, save for one." The combination of strong winds and water ingress proved fatal for many aboard the vessel.
Community Mourning and Ongoing Investigation
The tragedy has left the local community in deep mourning, with families coming together to support one another during this difficult time. Lake Kariba, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the world, serves as an essential waterway for thousands of people who depend on ferries for daily transportation, commerce, and accessing medical facilities. The incident has sparked calls for improved safety measures and better oversight of ferry operations on the lake.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the capsizing. Weather conditions, passenger load, and vessel maintenance are all being examined. The community hopes that lessons learned from this disaster will prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Zimbabwe ferry disaster occur? The ferry disaster occurred on Tuesday, August 12, 2026, on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe.
How many people died in the accident? Police confirmed that the death toll reached 46 people, with 77 survivors rescued from the water.
How many passengers were on board the ferry? The ferry was carrying 114 adults, five crew members, and an unspecified number of children, exceeding its authorized capacity of 90 passengers.
What caused the ferry to sink? Heavy winds caused water to fill the ferry engines, leading to engine failure. The boat capsized in choppy waters while passengers were unable to effectively use the available life jackets.
Where is the memorial service being held? A memorial service was held in the lakeside town of Kariba, close to the border with Zambia, where dozens of mourners gathered to pay their respects.