The death toll from a ferry disaster on Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba has risen to at least 72 after rescuers recovered 26 more bodies from the site of the incident.
The ferry capsized on Tuesday amid strong waves, with authorities investigating reports that the vessel was overloaded and operating in difficult weather conditions.
Police said 18 children were among those who died, while Zimbabwe’s disaster management agency reported that 77 people had been rescued.
The exact number of passengers on board remains unclear, but estimates suggest more than 150 people may have been travelling on the vessel, despite its stated capacity of 90.
Witnesses told Zimbabwe’s state broadcaster that passengers had urged the captain to turn back as the waves became stronger, but their concerns were reportedly dismissed.
A surviving crew member, Anyway Chambati, said passengers had raised concerns that the vessel was taking in water before it capsized.
Search and rescue operations are continuing as authorities work to recover more victims and establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
