The death toll from a ferry disaster on Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba has risen to 84, as search and recovery teams continue operations following one of the deadliest maritime accidents in the country’s history.

 Police said 12 more bodies were recovered during ongoing search efforts, increasing the confirmed number of fatalities from 72 to 84. Authorities said rescue teams are still searching for people reported missing.

Zimbabwe’s disaster management authorities said 77 people survived the accident. Officials believe the ferry was severely overloaded, with estimates indicating that up to 153 passengers may have been on board, despite the vessel’s authorized capacity of 90 people.

Overloaded ferry capsized in strong waves

The ferry overturned last week on Lake Kariba amid strong waves while traveling toward rural and fishing communities in northwestern Zimbabwe.

The vessel was used by communities that rely heavily on water transport due to poor road conditions and limited public transportation options in the region.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the causes of the disaster, including concerns over passenger capacity, maritime safety measures and emergency procedures.

Children among victims

Officials confirmed that 18 children were among those killed, including a one-year-old child. Police said 16 of the children who died were aged 10 or younger.

The scale of the tragedy has raised renewed concerns over passenger safety standards and transport conditions for communities that depend on boats for daily travel.

One of Zimbabwe’s deadliest ferry disasters

The accident is considered one of the deadliest ferry disasters in Zimbabwe’s history. Authorities said efforts are continuing to recover remaining victims and determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

Lake Kariba, shared by Zimbabwe and Zambia, was created after the construction of the Kariba Dam on the Zambezi River in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The lake stretches more than 200 kilometers and is one of the world’s largest artificial lakes by volume.(ILKHA)