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Fifteen feared dead after vessel capsizes on Lake Kariba

Alice Morgan
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At least fifteen people have lost their lives after a boat sank in Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba, according to local authorities. The incident occurred when the vessel was struck by power…

At least fifteen people have lost their lives

At least fifteen people have lost their lives after a boat sank in Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba, according to local authorities. The incident occurred when the vessel was struck by powerful waves, causing it to overturn.

Rescue teams were dispatched to the scene shortly after the accident was reported. Officials confirmed that search operations are ongoing, though hopes of finding more survivors are fading. The exact number of passengers on board remains unclear, but reports suggest the boat was carrying more people than its capacity allowed.

Local police spokesperson, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the boat was likely overloaded when it encountered rough conditions on the vast inland waterway. Lake Kariba, one of the world's largest man-made reservoirs, is known for sudden weather changes that can turn its waters treacherous.

Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic scenes as passenger…

Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic scenes as passengers struggled to stay afloat while others attempted to reach the shore. Emergency responders and community volunteers have been working together to recover bodies and assist the injured, with some survivors taken to nearby clinics for treatment.

This tragedy highlights persistent safety concerns on the lake, where overcrowding and a lack of life jackets are common issues. Authorities have announced an investigation into the cause of the sinking and reiterated calls for stricter enforcement of maritime regulations.

The region has seen similar disasters in the past, often linked to poor vessel maintenance and inadequate safety measures. Officials urge all boat operators to prioritize passenger safety and comply with weather warnings, especially during the rainy season when storms are frequent.