Ferry Mbuya Nehanda capsizes on Lake Kariba; at least 15 dead

A ferry named Mbuya Nehanda sank on Lake Kariba on August 11, 2026, after it reportedly capsized while crossing from the town of Kariba toward fishing camps at Chalala, leaving at least 15 people dead and dozens unaccounted for.

Rescue operation underway

Rescue teams from Matusadona and other services have pulled 77 passengers from the water and brought them to Long Island in the lake, where survivors are being assisted. "The Civil Protection Unit provided boats to transfer them to shore, and the operation is currently under way," officials said.

Cecilia Chitijo, director for local government in the Cabinet of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Mashonaland West and head of the Provincial Civil Protection Unit, said the ferry was seriously overloaded when it capsized.

"There were 114 adult passengers on the boat, which is confirmed by sold tickets, five crew members and an unknown number of children who were too young to have a ticket," Chitijo reported. She added the vessel had a certified capacity for 90 people.

Some sources close to the incident say the ageing ferry — allegedly donated to the government in 1985 and in use since — may have been carrying about 165 people, almost double its capacity. Authorities warned that the death toll is expected to rise as the search continues; roughly 27 people are still listed as missing.

Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono posted on Twitter: "I am deeply saddened to hear that a boat carrying 90 people capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe today." In his message he also said the boat was owned by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA).

National police spokesman Commissioner Paul Nyathi asked the public and media to wait for official confirmation of exact passenger, casualty and survivor numbers. Officials said they will release further details as the rescue operation progresses.

Photo: Принтскрин / Икс/@daddyhope