kariba boat accident

The 2026 Lake Kariba ferry accident was a maritime disaster that occurred on 11 August 2026, when the passenger ferry Mbuya Nehanda capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe while travelling from Kariba towards Chalala and surrounding fishing communities.

On 11 August 2026, the Mbuya Nehanda passenger ferry capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe. At least 72 people were killed, including 18 children, making it the deadliest boat disaster in the country's history. The ferry, which was operated by Zimbabwe's Rural Infrastructure Development Agency,the government agency that succeeded the District Development Fund (DDF), provided a transport link between Kariba and the rural community of Chalala, was carrying at least 114 adults, 5 crew members and an unspecified number of children despite an authorised passenger capacity of 90; some reports placed the total number aboard at as many as 153.
Passengers had expressed concerns about deteriorating weather before departure, and survivors later said that requests to turn back or seek shelter were refused. About 30 minutes into the journey, waves began washing over the vessel, which was operating with only one functioning engine. Water accumulated aboard, the bilge pump became submerged and the remaining engine eventually stopped, after which the ferry turned broadside to the waves and capsized. President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a state of disaster and acknowledged deficiencies in Zimbabwe's maritime capabilities. The loss of the ferry disrupted transport and trade in communities along the Chalala route, and the government pledged to provide a replacement vessel and rehabilitate an alternative road connection.

View More On Wikipedia.org