News / National
Nehanda death toll rises to 97
1 hr ago |
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Search and recovery teams have recovered two more bodies from Lake Kariba, including those of a young boy and a woman, bringing the death toll from the Mbuya Nehanda ferry disaster to 97.
The latest recoveries are broadly in line with the estimated number of people believed to have died based on reports of missing passengers submitted by relatives.
However, authorities said search operations would continue as there could still be people who were aboard the ferry without their presence being known to relatives or friends.
One of the bodies was discovered drifting near Fothergill Island, while the other was seen moving towards King's Camp.
Once the sightings were reported, an inter-agency response was activated, with rescue boats from the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) and Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) moving swiftly to the locations.
Lake Captain Lameck Chitenga and another team also provided support during the recovery operation.
As the police sub-aqua unit moved to recover the woman's body, Captain Chitenga spotted another body floating in the distance.
Phone calls were immediately made to coordinate the recovery teams.
The police sub-aqua unit proceeded towards King's Camp to locate the second body while awaiting the arrival of the ZNA rescue boat.
About five minutes later, the ZNA boat arrived and the teams carried out the recovery operation.
The two bodies were subsequently placed aboard the rescue vessels and are being transported to Andora Harbour.
The recovery operation remains ongoing as authorities continue searching the lake for any remaining victims of the disaster.
The latest recoveries are broadly in line with the estimated number of people believed to have died based on reports of missing passengers submitted by relatives.
However, authorities said search operations would continue as there could still be people who were aboard the ferry without their presence being known to relatives or friends.
One of the bodies was discovered drifting near Fothergill Island, while the other was seen moving towards King's Camp.
Once the sightings were reported, an inter-agency response was activated, with rescue boats from the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) and Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) moving swiftly to the locations.
Lake Captain Lameck Chitenga and another team also provided support during the recovery operation.
Phone calls were immediately made to coordinate the recovery teams.
The police sub-aqua unit proceeded towards King's Camp to locate the second body while awaiting the arrival of the ZNA rescue boat.
About five minutes later, the ZNA boat arrived and the teams carried out the recovery operation.
The two bodies were subsequently placed aboard the rescue vessels and are being transported to Andora Harbour.
The recovery operation remains ongoing as authorities continue searching the lake for any remaining victims of the disaster.
Source - The Herald
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