Rescue operations are underway on Lake Kariba after the District Development Fund (DDF) ferry, known as the Mbuya Nehanda, capsized near Long Island, leaving at least 15 people confirmed dead and dozens of others missing. According to eyewitness accounts and local reports from NewsDay, the vessel was traveling from Kariba to Chalala Fishing Camp on Tuesday afternoon when the disaster struck.
Search and Rescue Operations Near Long Island
Emergency response teams, including the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Sub-Aqua Unit, the military, local authorities, and the Matusadona Conservation Trust, have mobilized around Long Island to search for survivors. According to rescue operation data reported by NewsDay, 74 people have been rescued so far.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed in an official statement late Tuesday that the ferry was initially recorded as carrying 90 passengers and five crew members. Local radio presenter Given Siakanoka, who had family members on board, described the situation to reporters as devastating as families await news of their missing relatives.
Conflicting Passenger Manifests and Overloading Concerns
Discrepancies between official records and accounts from the scene have sparked intense concern regarding potential overloading. While police records state 95 total occupants were aboard, a rescue witness interviewed by NewsDay estimated that as many as 154 people could have been on the vessel.
The confusion stems in part from ticketing policies for minors. According to local sources, children under four years old do not require tickets, and passengers over 16 pay fares, leaving younger demographics uncounted on standard manifests. Rescue workers estimate that roughly 40 children of varying ages were on board the Mbuya Nehanda Ferry when it capsized, raising fears that a significant portion of the missing individuals are young children.
Official Response and Next Steps
Water and Inland Department Lake Captain Adan Nyekete confirmed the accident to regional outlets, noting that emergency services were immediately dispatched to secure the area and recover victims. Authorities have not yet determined the exact trigger for the capsizing as investigative teams work alongside marine units.
As recovery efforts continue through the wreckage near Long Island, local officials and emergency personnel remain focused on accounting for the remaining missing passengers. Further updates on survivor counts and the official investigation are expected from the Zimbabwe Republic Police as response teams comb the lake.