15 Dead After Boat Capsizes on Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba, Dozens Still Missing
A District Development Fund boat, 'Mbuya Nehanda', capsized on Lake Kariba on August 11, 2026, leading to 15 confirmed deaths and numerous missing persons. The vessel was severely overloaded, carrying well over its 90-passenger capacity when it hit turbulence. Rescue operations are ongoing, with the death toll expected to rise.
At least 15 people have died after a government-operated boat capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe on Tuesday, with dozens of others still unaccounted for as rescue teams continue searching the area.
The Mbuya Nehanda, operated by the District Development Fund, was travelling from Kariba towards Chalala fishing camps when it overturned.
An official report from Cecilia Chitiyo, Director of Local Government in the Office of the Minister of State for Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution, said the boat was carrying more people than its approved capacity.
The vessel is designed to carry 90 passengers, but ticket records show that 114 adults were on board, along with five crew members. The number of children aboard was not immediately known because children below the ticketing age were not included in the ticket count.
Rescue operation continues
Rescuers have so far brought 77 people to safety, according to the provincial Civil Protection Unit.
The survivors were taken to Long Island, where authorities are arranging further transport to the mainland.
Fifteen bodies have also been recovered. Funeral service providers Nyaradzo and Doves Funeral Parlours have been brought in to assist with the recovery and handling of the deceased.
A sub-aqua team has been airlifted to the scene as authorities intensify the search for those still missing.
The Provincial Civil Protection Unit has recommended that the incident be declared a state of disaster.
Authorities warn against unverified figures
The exact number of people who were aboard the boat remains unclear.
Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi has urged the public and media not to circulate unverified casualty figures while authorities continue to account for passengers, crew members, survivors and victims.
The warning is particularly important because the official passenger count does not include an unknown number of children.
Authorities are expected to provide further information as the search and scene-management operation continues.
The cause of the capsizing has not yet been established publicly, although the provincial report confirmed that the vessel was overloaded at the time of the accident.