Lake Kariba Ferry Death Toll Hits 97 After Two More Bodies Are Recovered
The death toll from the Lake Kariba ferry disaster has climbed to 97 after search teams recovered two more bodies on Thursday.
The latest victims are a woman and a young boy, with their recovery bringing the number of confirmed deaths closer to the figure estimated from reports of missing passengers.
The latest operation involved several agencies working together to locate and retrieve the bodies from the lake.
Also Read: ‘Heads Must Roll’: Fadzayi Mahere Blasts Government Over Lake Kariba Ferry Disaster
Bodies Spotted Near Fothergill Island and King’s Camp
One of the bodies was discovered drifting near Fothergill Island, while the second was seen moving in the direction of King’s Camp.
Once the sightings were reported, Zimbabwe National Army and Zimbabwe Republic Police teams immediately mobilised their rescue boats.
Lake Captain Lameck Chitenga and another team also joined the operation, providing support as the agencies coordinated the recoveries.
Rescue Teams Race Against Time
The recovery of the woman’s body was already underway when the captain spotted another body floating some distance away.
The teams quickly made phone calls to coordinate the second recovery and prevent the body from drifting further.
The police sub-aqua unit proceeded towards King’s Camp to retrieve the second victim while waiting for a ZNA rescue boat to arrive.
The military rescue boat reached the area about five minutes later, allowing the teams to carry out the recovery swiftly.
Both bodies were subsequently secured and are being transported to Andora Harbour.
Search Operation Continues
The latest recoveries have brought the confirmed death toll to 97.
The number now corresponds with the estimated fatalities based on the number of people whose relatives had reported them missing following the ferry disaster.
However, authorities are not ending the search operation.
Teams will continue scouring Lake Kariba because some passengers may have been aboard the ferry without their presence being known to relatives or friends.
The continued operation is therefore expected to focus on identifying any remaining victims and providing closure to families affected by the tragedy.
The post Lake Kariba Ferry Death Toll Hits 97 After Two More Bodies Are Recovered appeared first on iHarare News.
