Zimbabwe ferry disaster kills at least 15, leaves dozens unaccounted for
At least 15 people have died and dozens remain missing after a passenger ferry capsized in Zimbabwe, according to the country's Civil Protection Unit. The vessel, which was reporte…
At least 15 people have died and dozens
At least 15 people have died and dozens remain missing after a passenger ferry capsized in Zimbabwe, according to the country's Civil Protection Unit. The vessel, which was reportedly carrying more passengers than its official limit, went down in a body of water that officials have not yet fully identified, though local reports point to a lake in the northern part of the country.
The boat had a maximum capacity of 90 people, but the Civil Protection Unit said it was overloaded at the time of the accident. Rescue teams have been working through the night, pulling survivors from the water and searching for others who are still unaccounted for. The exact number of people on board remains unclear, but officials fear the toll could rise significantly.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as the ferry began to take on water and capsize, throwing passengers into the murky depths. Many of those on board were believed to be locals traveling between communities, with some reports indicating that women and children were among the victims. Emergency services have been deployed to the area, and divers are assisting in the search operation.
The disaster has prompted an outpouring of grief
The disaster has prompted an outpouring of grief and concern across the country, with authorities vowing to investigate the cause of the capsizing. Preliminary assessments suggest that overloading, combined with possible adverse weather conditions, may have contributed to the tragedy. Officials have also pledged to review safety protocols for passenger vessels in the region.
As the search continues, families of the missing are gathering at the shore, hoping for good news. The government has set up a crisis response center to coordinate rescue efforts and provide support to those affected. This incident highlights persistent challenges with maritime safety in the area, where aging boats and lax enforcement have previously led to deadly accidents.