Kathmandu— At least fifteen people have died and twenty-seven remain missing after a ferry capsized on Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba on Tuesday. The vessel was reportedly carrying more than its capacity of ninety people when it overturned due to strong waves, according to the country's Civil Protection Unit. Rescue operations are underway, involving speedboats, helicopters, divers, and personnel from local communities and the army.

Overcrowding as a Contributing Factor

The ferry was transporting passengers between the town of Kariba and several islands and fishing camps when it capsized. Authorities confirmed through registered ticket sales that there were 114 adult passengers on board, along with five crew members. However, officials acknowledge the possibility that an unknown number of children who were not required to have tickets may also have been aboard, complicating efforts to determine the total number of people affected.

The Civil Protection Unit stated the boat was carrying more than its designated capacity of ninety individuals, suggesting overcrowding played a role in the disaster.

Rescue Efforts Underway

Zimbabwe’s national police service confirmed that rescue operations were immediately launched following the incident. State broadcaster ZBC released footage showing speedboats approaching an overturned vessel on the lake while a helicopter surveyed the scene from above.

A specialized underwater search and rescue team was deployed to assist in locating missing passengers, working across the vast expanse of Lake Kariba. The Matusadona National Park also contributed a helicopter to aid in the response.

Witness Account Details Chaotic Scene

Maxton Kanhema, a witness to the tragedy, told AFP that the ferry departed despite inclement weather conditions. He suggested a wave may have struck the boat, causing its engines to fail. “When we were in the waters, then you could see a distress sign and then boats that were close by responded,” he said.

Kanhema described a scene of panic and loss, noting that rescue efforts were hampered by the adverse weather conditions. “People were in distress… There were bodies in the water and it was a sad situation to witness,” he added. He also stated that delayed responses due to the bad weather likely contributed to the number of fatalities.

Rescue teams continue to search for the remaining missing passengers as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the capsizing.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.