The Mbuya Nehanda ferry, which capsized on Lake Kariba today, had reportedly been in service since 1985 and was regarded as a vital and reliable means of transport for communities in Mola, Chalala, and surrounding areas.
The vessel was operated by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), a government agency responsible for rural infrastructure.
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the ferry was carrying 90 passengers and five crew members when it overturned.
Latest reports indicate that 77 people have been rescued, while 15 bodies have been recovered. A further 28 people are still unaccounted for.
However, uncertainty remains over the actual number of passengers aboard. Ticket records reportedly indicate that as many as 115 adults could have been travelling on the ferry, while the number of children on board is yet to be established, as children were allegedly not issued tickets.
Search, rescue and recovery efforts remain in progress as authorities work to determine the exact number of people who were aboard the Mbuya Nehanda when the tragedy occurred.
