Overloaded ferry capsizes on Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba, 15 dead and 27 missing

An overloaded ferry capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe on Tuesday, resulting in at least 15 confirmed deaths and 27 people reported missing. The vessel, which was carrying passengers across the reservoir that straddles the Zambezi River, overturned shortly after departing from the Kariba Dam’s southern shore, according to local authorities.

Rescue teams from the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Zimbabwe National Army and the Ministry of Home Affairs were dispatched to the scene, deploying boats and divers to search for survivors. Officials said the ferry was exceeding its certified capacity, a factor believed to have contributed to the accident. Families of the missing have been urged to register with the police, and a formal investigation into safety compliance and licensing procedures has been launched. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about overcrowding on informal water transport services in the region.