The death toll from a devastating ferry accident on Lake Kariba has surged to 93, marking the country’s deadliest transport disaster to date, according to the state-run Herald newspaper. This tragedy, which occurred a week ago, has profoundly impacted Zimbabwe’s transport infrastructure and the lives of countless individuals.
The ferry, carrying a capacity of 90 passengers, was hit by a massive wave and subsequently overturned, resulting in a significant loss of life. Initial reports indicate that at least 168 people were actually onboard when the incident occurred, a figure that has since been revised to 84, as police have confirmed.
The accident occurred on the Kariba Lake, a crucial waterway straddling the border with Zambia, which serves as a vital transport link for both countries, supporting crucial agricultural and fishing industries and providing hydroelectric power. The lake’s significance extends beyond its practical uses; it is a significant tourist destination, attracting visitors and bolstering local economies.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a state of disaster following the accident, initiating a comprehensive search and recovery operation led by divers. Authorities are continuing efforts to identify and recover the remains of the deceased, though the process is proving challenging due to the sheer number of victims and the drifting bodies towards Zambia, as reported by the Herald.
Nine more bodies have been discovered by divers and a police statement released Tuesday revealed that the death toll has reached 93. The police are now focusing on recovering the bodies further from the immediate vicinity of the sinking, with some drifting towards Zambia, according to the Herald’s report.
Initial investigations suggest that the ferry was unusually overloaded at the time of the incident, raising concerns about the safety of the vessel and the potential for exceeding its capacity. The Herald quotes a local councillor, Tight Bhusumani, as saying that 67 people had been rescued after the sinking, but it is proving difficult to identify some of the recovered bodies, with relatives relying on clothing and other items to aid identification.
Among the rescued survivors, nine individuals have been identified as victims by their next of kin. The police have stated that 83 of the victims had been identified by their relatives, and that the remaining individuals are being actively investigated.
The ferry was primarily used for transporting parents taking their children home for school holidays and traders, highlighting its vital role in connecting rural communities with urban centers. It’s estimated that the accident significantly disrupted local transport networks, impacting livelihoods and economic activity.
One survivor, a 40-year-old woman, shared her heartbreaking experience, stating that the ferry had been particularly loaded with goods and that children were screaming and many passengers were vomiting. She described the captain’s apparent lack of concern, adding that the life jackets were buried under the luggage, leaving only a handful of people to secure them.
The tragedy has had a profound impact on the community, particularly in Mola village, where families are grappling with the loss of loved ones. The local councillor expressed the sentiment that children were particularly affected, highlighting the devastating consequences of the disaster on the local community.
The Zimbabwean government has launched a national appeal for donations and assistance to support the ongoing search and recovery efforts. For more information and updates on this unfolding tragedy, please visit the official BBCAfrica.com website or follow us on Twitter (@BBCAfrica) and Facebook at BBC Africa and Instagram at bbcafrica.
This devastating incident underscores the vulnerability of transport infrastructure in the region and highlights the urgent need for enhanced safety regulations and monitoring measures.
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Source: BBC Africa
