Harare, 12 August (H.S.): A ferry carrying 95 people capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe on Tuesday after encountering strong waves, leaving several people feared dead, according to police and eyewitnesses.

The vessel, carrying 90 passengers and five crew members, was travelling between the northern town of Kariba and nearby islands and fishing camps when it overturned in rough weather.

An eyewitness said the boat had departed normally in the morning despite deteriorating weather conditions. A powerful wave may have struck the vessel, reportedly causing its engines to stop before the ferry overturned.

A large-scale rescue operation was launched following the incident, involving local boats, divers and army personnel. A helicopter from Matusadona National Park was also deployed to assist in the search and rescue efforts.

Witnesses reported seeing people in distress in the water and said some bodies had been recovered. Nearly 60 people were believed to have been rescued, although authorities had not yet confirmed the exact number of survivors or casualties.

Bad Weather Hampers Rescue Efforts

Adverse weather conditions reportedly delayed the rescue operation. An eyewitness said emergency teams faced difficulties reaching the overturned vessel, while rough waters complicated efforts to locate and rescue passengers.

Bodies recovered from the lake were expected to be taken to Kariba for identification. Police said additional details would be released as the rescue and recovery operation continued.

Lake Kariba lies along the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia and is among the world's largest man-made lakes by volume. The lake serves as an important transport and fishing route for communities in the surrounding areas.

Authorities had not yet confirmed the final death toll, while rescue teams continued searching the lake for people who may still be missing.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar