Source: Mbuya Nehanda Ferry Accident Death Toll Rises To 92 ⋆ Pindula News
The death toll from the Lake Kariba boat accident has climbed to 92, police announced on Monday, 17 August 2026, confirming that the vessel was grossly overloaded at the time it capsized.
The figures mean the passenger ferry, with a carrying capacity of 90, was carrying at least 169 people.
After 77 people were rescued alive, 92 bodies have now been recovered, with the search continuing for more victims.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the toll rose after eight more bodies were recovered from the lake.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that as at 1500 hours today, the Kariba Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) boat accident death toll is now 92 after eight bodies were recovered from Lake Kariba,” said Commissioner Nyathi on Monday afternoon.
The Mbuya Nehanda ferry capsized on 11 August 2026 while on a voyage from Kariba town to Chalala Fishing Camp near Long Island.
Rescue operations began immediately, with 77 survivors pulled from the water in the initial response.
By Sunday afternoon, 16 August, 84 bodies had been recovered from the lake, according to officials at the scene.
A further eight bodies were retrieved on Monday, 17 August by mid-afternoon, taking the confirmed death toll to 92.
Commissioner Nyathi said police have maintained a heavy presence on the lake since the day of the accident.
“Since 11th August 2026, the Commissioner-General of Police has deployed two big boats, two small boats, over 40 police Sub-Aqua members and other resources to co-ordinate the rescue of victims, search and the recovery of bodies from Lake Kariba,” he said.
He said police had also assisted with the lake captain’s mobility and coordinated with other Government agencies and stakeholders to ensure the identification of bodies is swiftly and professionally handled.
The confirmed figures, 77 rescued and 92 dead, put the number of people on board at at least 169, almost double the vessel’s approved carrying capacity of 90. Police have not ruled out that more people remain unaccounted for as search operations continue.
Commissioner Nyathi urged relatives to approach the Command Centre in Kariba and the local police station for any relevant and necessary information on the RIDA Lake Kariba accident.
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