The death toll in the ferry disaster on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe rises to 84

The number of people who lost their lives after a passenger ferry capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe has risen to 84. It was reported that search and rescue efforts are continuing.

Zimbabwe National Police Agency announced on Sunday that the dead bodies of 4 more people were found.

It is stated that the accident is one of the deadliest maritime transportation disasters of this kind in the country's history.

CAPACITY WAS 90 PEOPLE

The ferry capsized near the Zambian border on Tuesday during strong winds.

According to the authorities, the ferry had a capacity of 90 people, but it is estimated that there may have been up to 153 passengers on the boat at the time of the accident. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number of passengers.

The ferry was sailing from the city of Kariba in the north of the country to rural areas and fishing settlements in the northwest.

18 CHILDREN LOST THEIR LIVES

It was announced that at least 18 children were among those who lost their lives in the disaster.

In the images published in the local press, hundreds of people were seen waiting in front of the hospital in the region to identify their deceased relatives.

In the north of Zimbabwe, transportation via lakes and rivers is widely used due to the lack of road infrastructure, limited public transportation options and poor condition of the roads.

STATEMENT FROM THE PRESIDENT

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa described the accident as “tragic”.

Mnangagwa said the disaster revealed serious deficiencies in the country's transportation and security systems that must be addressed immediately.

Search teams continue their efforts to find passengers considered missing in Lake Kariba.