At least 15 people were killed and 27 remain missing after an overcrowded ferry capsized on Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba, authorities said Wednesday.
The ferry, which provides transport between the northern town of Kariba and several islands and fishing camps, overturned Tuesday after hitting strong waves, AFP reported.
It was carrying 114 adults, five crew members and some children despite a capacity of 90, Zimbabwe’s Civil Protection Unit (CPU) said as the search continued.
“So far, 77 passengers have been rescued by Matusadonha rescue teams and others,” the CPU said, adding that 15 bodies had been retrieved. Two funeral parlours have been engaged to collect the bodies.
A specialised aquatic rescue unit has been airlifted to the area to aid in the search.
Lake Kariba lies on Zimbabwe’s border with Zambia, more than 300 kilometres (185 miles) northeast of the capital Harare. It is the world’s largest man‑made lake by volume.
