Death toll from Zimbabwe ferry disaster rises to 69

What the report says

Police in Zimbabwe say the death toll from a ferry disaster on Lake Kariba has risen to 69 after 23 more bodies were recovered from the water. The vessel capsized on Tuesday near Kariba town, and authorities said search and recovery work was continuing on Saturday with police divers, military personnel and local fishermen involved.

According to Al Jazeera’s report, the ferry was carrying an estimated 153 people when it left the harbour, far above its authorised limit of 90 passengers. Investigators believe overcrowding contributed to the overturning. Survivors said strong winds and rough water hit shortly after departure, and some passengers reportedly urged the operator to return to shore before the boat rolled over.

State broadcaster ZBC said at least 18 of the dead were children, including 16 under the age of 10. The captain is also among those confirmed dead. Authorities said 77 people were rescued soon after the accident and taken first to a nearby island and then to health facilities in Kariba.

The government has declared a national disaster and sent welfare agencies to help affected households. The ferry was an important transport link for remote communities around the lake, so its loss is also disrupting food deliveries and access to essential supplies. Lake Kariba lies on Zimbabwe’s border with Zambia, more than 300km northeast of Harare.