Rescue boats and passengers are seen on Lake Kariba during the search and rescue operation following the ferry disaster in Zimbabwe, Aug. 12, 2026. (Credit: New Zimbabwe)

NNA News - The deaths of at least 44 people after a passenger ferry capsized on Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba have prompted a national rescue operation and renewed scrutiny of maritime safety on one of Southern Africa’s largest inland waterways. The ferry overturned on Tuesday afternoon near Long Island while carrying more passengers than its registered capacity, according to Zimbabwean authorities. The incident triggered a major search and rescue operation involving the military, police divers and a privately owned helicopter.

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa subsequently declared the incident a state of disaster, directing government agencies to mobilise the resources needed to support rescue efforts and affected communities. Public Works and National Housing Minister Daniel Garwe said the declaration was intended to ensure that “all necessary resources are mobilised” for the search and rescue operation. The response has included an army boat squadron, a police sub-aqua unit and a privately owned helicopter. “The government extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives in this tragic incident,” Garwe said.

Zimbabwe’s Civil Protection Unit said registered ticket records indicated that 114 adults and five crew members were aboard the ferry, although the vessel’s legal carrying capacity was 90 people. Authorities also said an unknown number of young children who did not have tickets may have been on board. The circumstances surrounding the capsizing remain under investigation.

Eyewitness Maxton Kanhema said the ferry had been travelling in difficult weather conditions and may have been struck by a large wave, causing its engines to stop. “People were in distress... there were bodies in the water, and it was a sad situation to witness. Those that could be rescued were rescued,” Kanhema said. The disaster has also raised questions about the accuracy of passenger numbers and the conditions under which the vessel was allowed to operate.

Rescue boats and passengers are seen on Lake Kariba during the search and rescue operation following the ferry disaster in Zimbabwe, Aug. 12, 2026. (Credit: New Zimbabwe)

Mutsa Murombedzi, a local member of parliament, shared a video on X showing what she said was the ferry at the beginning of its journey and questioned the official passenger figures. “We have very hard questions that require honest answers. The officials must release the correct number of people who were onboard,” she wrote. For communities living around Lake Kariba, water transport remains an important means of reaching settlements and services across the lake. The disaster has therefore highlighted the safety risks faced by people who depend on inland water transport.

President Mnangagwa said the incident exposed shortcomings in the country’s maritime safety capacity and called for immediate intervention. “This tragedy has exposed serious deficiencies in our marine capabilities, which we have to address immediately so that our places of recreation do not become a death trap to the innocent,” Mnangagwa said. “Accordingly, I direct all agencies associated with our marine safety, including especially specialised units within our security forces, to take an active interest in ensuring remedial interventions in this area,” he added.

The tragedy has also drawn condolences from neighbouring countries. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed solidarity with Zimbabwe and paid tribute to emergency personnel involved in the response. “As South Africans, we stand in solidarity today with the nation of Zimbabwe as we mourn this extensive loss of life,” Ramaphosa said. “We wish survivors a speedy recovery and we pay tribute to the emergency services who are working tirelessly to support and bring closure to affected families and communities,” he added.

Rescue boats and passengers are seen on Lake Kariba during the search and rescue operation following the ferry disaster in Zimbabwe, Aug. 12, 2026. (Credit: New Zimbabwe)

The death toll rose from the initial number reported after the accident as rescue teams continued searching the lake. Authorities have not yet established the final number of people who were aboard the ferry, leaving the possibility that the casualty figures could change as the operation continues. Lake Kariba, formed by the construction of the Kariba Dam across the Zambezi River, stretches for about 200 kilometres and reaches approximately 40 kilometres at its widest point. It is shared by Zimbabwe and Zambia and supports communities, tourism, fishing and other economic activities.

The scale of the disaster has placed renewed attention on the safety of those who depend on the lake for transport and on the capacity of authorities to enforce passenger limits, strengthen marine safety and respond to emergencies on the water.