Ferry capsizes in Zimbabwe, 15 dead; 27 missing

August 12, 2026

Zimbabwe: A ferry carrying passengers capsized in Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba on Tuesday. At least 15 people died in the accident, while 27 are still missing, the country’s disaster management agency said.

77 people rescued

According to officials, 77 people were rescued safely after reaching a small island in the lake. Boats have been sent to bring them back to safety. Speedboats, helicopters, and underwater search teams have also been deployed in the rescue and relief operation.

Overcrowding

According to Zimbabwe’s Civil Protection Unit, ticket records show 114 adult passengers and 5 crew members. Officials feared that some children under the age limit may have been on board the ferry. The ferry had a capacity of 90 people, suggesting it was overloaded.

Search for missing people continues

Police and rescue teams are searching for the missing people. Local MP Mutsa Murombedzi said that villagers use the ferry to travel across the lake to Kariba town. The journey usually takes about five hours.

Lake Kariba is located between Zimbabwe and Zambia and is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. It was created by the construction of a dam on the Zambezi River.