Ferry capsizes in Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba, 72 dead
Zimbabwe has declared a national disaster as rescue teams continue searching for more victims along the Zambia border.
The death toll from a ferry accident on Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba rose to 72 after search teams recovered more bodies on Saturday, Aug. 15. The public transport vessel capsized after being hit by a large wave on the lake that lies on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Police had earlier reported 68 fatalities. Several reports said the RIDA boat was carrying passengers far above its official capacity of 90 people; one source said about 95 people, while another report said more than 150 people including crew and children. At least 77 people were rescued. Zimbabwe has declared the incident a national disaster, while police, the military and local fishermen continue search operations and victim identification.