Ferry capsizes on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe with 95 people aboard

A ferry capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe on Tuesday while carrying 90 passengers and five crew members, according to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). Authorities said rescue efforts were ongoing and urged the public not to speculate about the number of casualties.

The ZRP stated that official information regarding those rescued, injured or killed would only be released once the scene management process at the accident site is complete.

Vessel used for daily travel across the lake

The boat is reportedly used by local residents to travel between rural areas and the town of Kariba, located on the lake's northern shore near the border with Zambia.

Zimbabwean MP Mutsa Murombedzi said the crossing usually takes about five hours, but the vessel encountered strong winds while travelling from Kariba to Chalala. She shared video footage on X that she said showed the boat, named "Mbuya Nehanda," departing earlier on the day of the accident.

Murombedzi said there were serious questions that deserved honest answers and called on officials to release the accurate number of people who had been on board.