Mnangagwa declares State of Disaster as Kariba boat death toll rises to 44
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster following the tragic capsizing of a Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) vessel on Lake Kariba, with 44 people confirmed dead and 27 still missing.
The vessel, which was travelling from Kariba to Chalala, capsized on Tuesday after reportedly being struck by strong waves while navigating near Long Island.
According to a statement issued by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe on Wednesday, 119 people were on board at the time of the accident, comprising 114 adult passengers and five crew members, while an unconfirmed number of children were also believed to have been aboard.
As of the latest update, 77 people have been rescued, 15 fatalities have been confirmed and 27 people remain unaccounted for as search and rescue operations continue.
The latest figures represent an increase from the earlier police update, which had put the number of bodies recovered at 13 and those rescued at 67.
Mnangagwa declared the State of Disaster in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06], enabling Government to mobilise extraordinary measures and resources to assist and protect people affected, or likely to be affected, by the disaster.
“The declaration enables the Government to mobilise extraordinary measures and resources necessary to assist and protect persons affected, or likely to be affected, by the disaster,” Garwe said.
The Department of Civil Protection immediately activated the national search and rescue response following the incident.
The operation is being conducted in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Republic Police Sub-Aqua Unit, Zimbabwe National Army Boat Squadron, local authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
Rescue efforts have also been intensified, with marine rescue teams searching the affected area and assisting survivors.
A privately owned helicopter from the Matusadona Conservation Trust has been deployed to support aerial search and rescue operations.
The Government said the Department of Civil Protection would continue coordinating the multi-agency response, with efforts focused on accounting for every passenger and crew member who was aboard the vessel.
“The declaration underscores Government’s commitment to protecting lives and ensuring that all necessary resources are mobilised to support the ongoing search, rescue, recovery and humanitarian response,” Garwe said.
The Government extended its condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and commended rescue personnel, security services, local authorities, conservation partners and other stakeholders working under challenging conditions.
Further updates are expected as more information is verified and confirmed.