At least 15 people have died and 27 others remain missing after an overloaded ferry capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe, according to the country’s Civil Protection Unit.
The ferry overturned on Tuesday after encountering strong waves while travelling between the northern town of Kariba and several islands and fishing camps.
Officials said the vessel was carrying more passengers than its capacity of 90 people. Registered ticket records showed that 114 adults and five crew members were on board, while the number of children travelling without tickets remains unknown.
At least 77 people have been rescued, while Zimbabwean police and emergency teams continue search-and-rescue operations.
Witness Maxton Kanhema said the ferry departed in bad weather and may have been struck by a large wave, causing its engines to stop. He said nearby boats responded after passengers sent distress signals.
Helicopters, speedboats, divers, underwater search teams and members of the army have been deployed to assist the rescue operation.
Kanhema said difficult weather conditions delayed the response and that several bodies were seen in the water.
Lake Kariba, which lies along the Zimbabwe-Zambia border, is one of the world’s largest man-made lakes by volume. It stretches for more than 200 kilometres and reaches about 40 kilometres in width in some areas.
Search and rescue operations are continuing as authorities work to determine the exact number of people who were on board.
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