An overcrowded passenger ferry capsized in Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe, resulting in 44 confirmed deaths. Authorities are urgently searching for survivors and missing persons amid concerns that several children were also on board.
On 13 August 2026, Zimbabwean police reported that the death toll from the ferry accident in Lake Kariba had risen to at least 44. The incident occurred on Tuesday (11 Aug), and rescue teams continue their efforts to find survivors and missing individuals.
Zimbabwe's national television reported that rescue boats and helicopters are operating at the accident site after the ferry capsized in Lake Kariba, a body of water along the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Police confirmed that several bodies have been recovered from the lake. However, they have not yet released updated figures on injuries or missing persons from the government-operated ferry accident.
Foreign media reported that the ferry was carrying about 153 passengers, exceeding its designed capacity of approximately 90. The accident occurred when the ferry encountered large waves on Lake Kariba before capsizing.
Zimbabwe’s National Disaster Management Office earlier revealed that the ferry had at least 114 adult passengers with tickets and 5 crew members. Initially, 77 passengers were rescued and brought ashore. The exact passenger count remains uncertain since officials only have records for ticketed passengers, while children under the ticketing age may have traveled with guardians and were not included in the official numbers.