Zimbabwe ferry disaster death toll rises to 94

August 18, 2026 / 9:51 PM

Mourners attend a memorial service for victims of the capsized RIDA passenger ferry at Nyamhunga Stadium in Kariba

Sharjah 24 – AFP: The death toll from last week's passenger ferry disaster on Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba climbed to 94 on Tuesday after emergency crews recovered two additional bodies, police confirmed. The vessel, which served as a vital transportation lifeline for rural communities, capsized amid severe weather and rough waters on August 11 on the massive man-made lake that borders Zambia.

Authorities reported that the fatalities include 30 children under the age of 10, among them a one-month-old infant. While officials noted the ferry had a rated capacity of 90 passengers, rescue and recovery operations have accounted for 94 dead alongside 77 survivors who were pulled from the water following the capsize.

Investigation cites captain's negligence

Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe announced on Tuesday that a formal investigation has been launched into the disaster, stating preliminary findings point to "negligence and human error by the captain of the boat." According to the government, maritime authorities and the vessel's crew proceeded despite an explicit weather service warning advising against sailing on the day of the tragedy.