Zimbabwe Ferry Death Toll Reaches 94 in Lake Kariba Capsizing
The Nbuya Nehanda sailed with about 180 aboard against a high wind advisory
The casualty count from the ferry accident on Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe has risen to 94, and search operations are still under way.
The ferry Nbuya Nehanda departed the town of Kariba on August 11 and set out for the village of Chalala, about 35 miles away. It was carrying about 180 people, twice its rated 90-passenger capacity, although the manifest appears unclear.
A high wind advisory was in effect at the time of departure, but the crew decided to sail. In rough surface conditions the ferry capsized, killing at least half of those on board. Good samaritans and other first responders rescued 77 people, and search operations continue.
With 94 confirmed dead and 77 rescued, the figures account for 171 of the roughly 180 people believed to have been aboard.
The vessel was overcrowded with both passengers and belongings. Photographs taken before the casualty show that its deck had an enclosed cloth canopy on top and sides, a complicating factor in previous small passenger-vessel casualties.
Lake Kariba is the largest manmade reservoir in the world by volume, and its ferry routes connect communities and fishing camps that have few other access options. The loss of the government-owned ferry will affect tourism and subsistence fishing operations around the lake, and plans to replace it appear unclear. Officials have indicated that the route is open to private operators that might choose to offer an alternative service.
The high casualty count makes the capsizing the worst transport sector disaster in the country's history. The government announced on Tuesday that it is launching a full investigation into the circumstances of the accident.
