Kariba – At least 44 people died in the Lake Kariba boat disaster, the government of Zimbabwe said on Wednesday as rescue operations continue.
The overloaded ferry overturned on Monday and search operations for missing bodies of continuing.
About 67 people were rescued.
The ferry named Mbuya Nehanda was owned by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) had the capacity of carrying 60 people had about 120 people and several toddlers on board.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the boat accident a national disaster.
He send his condolences to the bereaved families.
”This tragedy has exposed serious deficiencies in our maritime capabilities which we have to address immediately so that our places of recreation do not become death traps to the innocent,” Mnangagwa said.
”I declare this mishap a national disaster and further direct relevant authorities to provide all necessary assistance to the affected families, including medical, psychosocial, and funeral support.”
Mnangagwa said the country must ensure its waters are safe.
Zimbabwe shares Lake Kariba with it’s northern neighbour Zambia.