72 Killed in Zimbabwe Boat Capsizing

At least 72 people have died after a passenger boat capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe. Several others are still missing as authorities continue search and rescue operations.

Zimbabwean police said on Saturday (August 15) that the boat sank last Tuesday amid strong winds and rough waves on Lake Kariba. Preliminary investigations suggest that overcrowding may have increased the risk of the accident.

The boat had an approved capacity of 90 passengers. However, around 153 people are believed to have been on board when the accident occurred. The group reportedly included 114 adult passengers and five crew members. The exact number of children on board has yet to be confirmed.

So far, 77 people have been rescued alive. However, due to uncertainty over the number of children and the passenger list, authorities have not yet been able to determine the exact number of people still missing.

The boat was an important means of transportation for remote communities and fishing communities around Lake Kariba. Authorities said the vessel apparently lost balance and overturned because of bad weather and large waves.

Ashik/M.