Chilling Video Captures Mbuya Nehanda Ferry’s Final Moments Before Lake Kariba Disaster
A haunting piece of footage has emerged, offering a rare and unsettling glimpse into the minutes before the Mbuya Nehanda ferry capsized on Lake Kariba.
The video, which has gone viral, shows the vessel setting out from Kariba town under what appears to be treacherous conditions.
Also Read: Police Say 95 People Were On Board DDF Boat That Capsized In Lake Kariba
Onboard Warning Foretold Danger
In the video clip, a speaker can be heard voicing grave concern about a local maritime phenomenon known as the “Binga Wave.” This large, unpredictable swell is well-known to seasoned lake travellers, and the audio suggests it was visibly active at the time of departure.
The speaker’s anxious tone underscores the visible instability of the overloaded vessel as it pushes away from the dock. The footage captures the ferry tilting and rocking as it navigates the choppy waters, with passengers appearing to cling to the sides for balance.
Rickety Ferry Struggles From the Start
The video paints a stark picture of the Mbuya Nehanda’s condition. The vessel, can be seen listing almost immediately after casting off. Its hull appears battered, and the sheer weight of passengers—many standing on open decks—raises immediate questions about its seaworthiness.
According to those who have viewed the footage, the ferry was visibly riding low in the water, suggesting it was heavily laden even before encountering the wave. The rough conditions captured on film align with survivor accounts that the waters turned violent within minutes of departure.
Questions Mount Over Overcrowding
While the footage offers no clear shot of the passenger count, it has fuelled growing skepticism about official figures. The video shows decks packed with people—many standing without life jackets—and the vessel’s struggle to stay level is evident.
Rescue teams have since questioned police reports of 95 people on board, suggesting the true number may have been far higher. The footage appears to corroborate these concerns, showing a ferry that was clearly operating beyond its intended capacity from the moment it embarked.
A Warning Ignored
Perhaps the most chilling aspect of the video is the audible warning about the “Binga Wave”—a caution that, tragically, appears to have been dismissed or gone unheeded.
Whether the captain or crew acknowledged the risk remains unclear, but the footage has left many asking why the ferry set sail at all under such precarious circumstances.
The post Moments Before Disaster: Video Shows Overloaded Mbuya Nehanda Ferry Set Sail in Treacherous Conditions appeared first on iHarare News.
