The wreckage of the RIDA Mbuya Nehanda ferry has been brought back to shore after days beneath Lake Kariba.
The vessel sank on 11 August following a disastrous journey that claimed 97 lives. Authorities can now examine the wreck as investigations into the tragedy continue.
Salvage team completes recovery
The recovery operation finished earlier than initially expected. Salvage crews had prepared for a difficult operation lasting at least seven days.
However, the team overcame the anticipated obstacles and successfully lifted the ferry from the lake.
Fresh photographs show the damaged blue vessel secured to a heavy-duty recovery rig. The crane system helped crews raise and transport the wreck towards the mainland.
The vessel still displays its original identification markings. They read “Mbuya Nehanda, KF 551, Kariba DDF”.
Several smaller boats surrounded the recovery area during the operation. The wreck was eventually secured alongside other vessels near the mainland.
Questions remain over deadly voyage
Preliminary findings presented to Cabinet suggest the ferry carried up to 180 passengers. It also transported substantial quantities of cargo during its journey.
The vessel departed Andora Harbour while heading towards the Chalala fishing camps.
Officials say the ferry had approval to carry 90 passengers. However, other reports claim its certification allowed just 50 passengers.
Investigators are also examining claims that the vessel sailed despite dangerous weather warnings. The Meteorological Services Department had reportedly warned about powerful south-westerly winds.
Locals commonly refer to the dangerous weather phenomenon as the Binga Wave.
Rough conditions reportedly struck around 30 minutes after departure. Water then entered the deck, while the bilge pump became submerged.
The flooding reportedly affected the engines before the ferry eventually overturned.
Meanwhile, survivors have provided investigators with accounts of the final moments. They reportedly urged the crew to turn back or find shelter nearby.
According to survivors, the crew allegedly ignored those pleas as the weather deteriorated.
The recovered wreck should now provide investigators with important evidence. Authorities will examine it as they work to establish exactly what caused Zimbabwe’s deadliest maritime disaster.
The post Mbuya Nehanda ferry wreckage recovered from Lake Kariba after tragedy appeared first on iHarare News.
