Death Toll Rises to 68 After Zimbabwe Ferry Capsizes on Lake Kariba
Rescuers in Zimbabwe have recovered 22 more bodies from a ferry that capsized on Lake Kariba, bringing the total death toll to 68. The overloaded ferry was traveling to rural communities when it capsized earlier in the week. Among the…
Fort Myers Naples, FL, August 15, 2026 —
Rescuers in Zimbabwe have recovered 22 additional bodies from a ferry that capsized on Lake Kariba, pushing the total death toll to 68. The tragic incident occurred earlier this week when the overloaded vessel sank while en route to rural communities.
Among the confirmed victims are at least 18 children, highlighting the devastating impact of the disaster on families. The ferry was reportedly carrying passengers when it went down, the exact circumstances leading to the capsizing are still being investigated. Information regarding the total number of people on board when the ferry capsized was not provided.
Search and recovery operations have been ongoing since the initial reports of the capsizing. The recovery of 22 more bodies signifies a grim milestone in the ongoing efforts to account for all those lost in the incident.
Lake Kariba is a large man-made lake located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is a popular tourist destination but also used by local communities for transport. The report did not specify the exact location of the capsizing on the lake or the originating point and intended destination of the ferry beyond ‘rural communities’.
Further details regarding the ferry’s capacity, the cause of the overloading, and any potential safety violations were not immediately available. The investigation into the incident is expected to continue as authorities work to determine the full scope of the tragedy and prevent future occurrences.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
