Kathmandu— A boat carrying approximately 90 passengers and five crew members capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe on Tuesday, triggering a large-scale rescue operation led by the Zimbabwe Republic Police. Authorities have not yet released official casualty figures, stating they will be available once search efforts conclude, but reports indicate at least 15 bodies have been recovered and over 70 people rescued. Approximately 30 individuals remain missing as of Wednesday morning.

Search and Rescue Efforts

Initial reports from the ZRP indicated 90 passengers and five crew were aboard the vessel when it capsized. Local news outlet ZBC News, citing officials involved in the emergency response, reported that at least 15 bodies had been recovered and more than 70 people rescued. Approximately 30 people are still unaccounted for. Josphat Jaji, Mashonaland West Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, stated that 114 tickets were issued for the journey.

Lake Kariba’s History of Accidents

Lake Kariba, a large man-made reservoir bordering Zimbabwe and Zambia, is utilized for fishing, tourism, and passenger transport. The lake has experienced several serious boating accidents in recent years. In March 2025, another boat capsized during a storm, resulting in one missing fisherman and another surviving by clinging to floating cooler boxes.

Regional Pattern of Boating Disasters

Fatal boat accidents are unfortunately common across Africa, often linked to factors such as overloading and insufficient safety precautions. In September, a similar tragedy occurred in Nigeria’s Niger State where at least 29 people died when a wooden boat carrying around 90 passengers capsized after colliding with a submerged tree stump. Officials attributed the high death toll to overloading and the lack of life jackets worn by passengers; emergency teams rescued 50 individuals while others were reported missing.

Rescue operations are ongoing, and authorities have yet to determine the cause of the accident or provide a complete accounting of casualties.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.