Kathmandu— A ferry that capsized on Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba on Tuesday has resulted in at least 72 confirmed fatalities, with authorities continuing search and recovery operations as of Saturday. The vessel was carrying an estimated 153 passengers—far exceeding its authorized capacity of 90—when it overturned, impacting remote fishing communities who relied on the ferry for essential supplies and connection to markets. Among those lost are at least 18 children, including infants, and the boat’s captain.

Overcrowding Suspected as Cause

Police investigations suggest that the ferry was significantly overloaded when it capsized. The vessel departed Kariba town harbour carrying an estimated 153 people despite being authorized for only 90 passengers. Survivors reported that high winds and choppy waves quickly flooded the boat shortly after departure, but their pleas to return to shore were ignored as the operator continued into open water before the ferry rolled over.

Widespread Loss and Grief

The disaster has deeply impacted local communities, with many families experiencing multiple losses. Solomon Machipisa told The Herald that “It has been difficult to know who to console first, as almost every homestead has lost a relative, and the worst cases more than five relatives at once.” At least 18 children were among the victims, including very young infants such as one-year-old Wendy Ndandarika and 14-month-old McDonald Nyasha Gumpo and Hailly Tauro. The captain of the ferry, Sign Patsikadova, 59, also perished in the sinking.

National Disaster Declared

The Zimbabwean government has declared a national disaster in response to the tragedy, deploying welfare agencies to distribute food aid to affected households. Seventy-seven passengers were rescued shortly after the vessel capsized and received medical attention at facilities in Kariba town. The loss of the ferry, which served as a vital lifeline for remote communities along Lake Kariba, is already disrupting food deliveries, with local shops reporting shortages.

Rare Maritime Tragedy

Accidents on Lake Kariba, the world’s largest man-made reservoir by volume, are uncommon. This sinking represents one of Zimbabwe's worst maritime disasters in decades. The lake lies on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, approximately 300km northeast of Harare.

Search and recovery operations remain ongoing as authorities work to account for all those who were aboard the ill-fated ferry.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.