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Mbuya Nehanda kills 15 in Lake Kariba, 28 missing
2 hrs ago |
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The Mbuya Nehanda ferry, one of the main modes of transport for communities living around Lake Kariba, capsized on Tuesday, triggering a major rescue and recovery operation.
The ferry, which reportedly began operating in 1985, served residents of Mola, Chalala and surrounding areas and was regarded as an important and trusted link for communities separated by the vast lake.
The vessel was owned by the Zimbabwean Government through the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA).
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the ferry was carrying 90 passengers and five crew members when it capsized on Lake Kariba.
However, the number of people who were actually on board remains unclear, with emerging figures suggesting that the death toll and number of missing passengers could rise as authorities continue to reconcile passenger records.
Latest figures indicate that 77 people have been rescued, 15 bodies recovered and 28 people remain unaccounted for.
There are also reports that ticket records indicate as many as 115 adults may have boarded the ferry.
The actual number of children on board remains unknown because children were reportedly not issued tickets, further complicating efforts to establish the total number of passengers.
Rescue teams remain on the lake as authorities search for survivors and recover victims.
The conflicting passenger figures have heightened concerns over record-keeping and passenger accountability, with authorities expected to establish the definitive number of people who were aboard once the rescue and recovery operation is completed.
The Mbuya Nehanda ferry has for decades played a critical role in connecting communities around Lake Kariba, particularly those in remote areas where alternative transport options are limited.
As rescue operations continue, families and communities remain anxious for information about those still unaccounted for.
The ferry, which reportedly began operating in 1985, served residents of Mola, Chalala and surrounding areas and was regarded as an important and trusted link for communities separated by the vast lake.
The vessel was owned by the Zimbabwean Government through the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA).
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the ferry was carrying 90 passengers and five crew members when it capsized on Lake Kariba.
However, the number of people who were actually on board remains unclear, with emerging figures suggesting that the death toll and number of missing passengers could rise as authorities continue to reconcile passenger records.
Latest figures indicate that 77 people have been rescued, 15 bodies recovered and 28 people remain unaccounted for.
There are also reports that ticket records indicate as many as 115 adults may have boarded the ferry.
The actual number of children on board remains unknown because children were reportedly not issued tickets, further complicating efforts to establish the total number of passengers.
Rescue teams remain on the lake as authorities search for survivors and recover victims.
The conflicting passenger figures have heightened concerns over record-keeping and passenger accountability, with authorities expected to establish the definitive number of people who were aboard once the rescue and recovery operation is completed.
The Mbuya Nehanda ferry has for decades played a critical role in connecting communities around Lake Kariba, particularly those in remote areas where alternative transport options are limited.
As rescue operations continue, families and communities remain anxious for information about those still unaccounted for.
Source - online
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