At least 15 people have died and 27 others remain missing after an overloaded passenger ferry capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe on Tuesday, according to the country’s Civil Protection Unit.

Rescue teams managed to save 77 passengers after the ferry overturned. Officials first moved the survivors to a small island on the lake. Rescue boats then began taking them back to the mainland. Authorities have warned that the death toll could increase as teams continue searching the lake and the wreckage.

Ferry Was Overloaded Beyond Its Capacity

The ferry, named Mbuya Nehanda, was reportedly carrying far more passengers than its registered limit. The vessel had a licensed capacity of 90 passengers. However, ticket records showed that at least 114 adults and five crew members were aboard when the ferry capsized.

Authorities also believe several young children may have been travelling on the vessel. These children did not require tickets. Their presence could mean that the actual number of people on board was higher than the official passenger records show. The large number of passengers has also made it difficult for authorities to determine exactly how many people remain missing.

Ferry Served Communities Around Lake Kariba

The Mbuya Nehanda provided an important transport service for communities living around Lake Kariba. The ferry regularly carried residents, commuters and traders across the lake. The journey to Kariba town usually took about five hours.

Many communities rely on the waterway for transport and trade. The accident has therefore raised concerns about passenger safety and ferry operations in the region.

Major Search And Rescue Operation Underway

Authorities launched a large search-and-rescue operation soon after the ferry overturned. Rescue boats and speedboats moved towards the capsized vessel. A military helicopter also joined the operation and helped teams search the surrounding area.

Specialist underwater rescue teams have been deployed as well. They are searching the submerged parts of the ferry for passengers who may remain trapped inside. Rescuers initially took the 77 survivors to a nearby island. Teams later began moving them from the island to the mainland.

Video Shows Large Number Of Passengers

Local lawmaker Mutsa Murombedzi shared footage online that showed the ferry shortly before it left. The video appeared to show a large crowd aboard the ageing vessel. People standing on the shore also appeared concerned about the number of passengers and the conditions on the lake. The footage could become relevant as authorities investigate what caused the ferry to capsize.

Authorities May Declare National Disaster

Zimbabwe’s disaster management authorities have recommended declaring the ferry accident a national disaster. Officials cited the scale of the deaths and the impact on communities around Lake Kariba. Authorities have not yet established the exact cause of the accident.

Investigators are expected to examine several factors. These include the number of passengers on the ferry, the vessel’s safety condition and the weather and water conditions when it overturned. They will also need to establish whether overloading contributed to the accident.

Lake Kariba is a Major Regional Waterway

Lake Kariba sits along the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The lake formed after authorities built the Kariba Dam on the Zambezi River. The lake stretches for more than 200 kilometres through the Zambezi Valley. It ranks among the world’s largest man-made lakes by volume. Lake Kariba supports transport, fishing and other economic activities. Communities on both sides of the lake depend on it for their livelihoods.

Search For Missing Passengers Continues

Rescue teams continue to search for the 27 people reported missing. Authorities are working to determine the final number of passengers who were aboard the ferry. The possible presence of children without tickets has complicated the count.

The search operation is expected to continue as divers, boats and aircraft work to locate missing passengers and recover those who may remain inside the overturned vessel. The tragedy has also renewed concerns about passenger capacity, safety standards and oversight of ferry services on Lake Kariba.