A memorial service took place at Nyamhunga Stadium in Kariba town as Zimbabwe mourns the victims of a tragic ferry capsize that has claimed at least 44 lives.

The vessel overturned on Lake Kariba near Long Island on Tuesday after being hit by strong waves in bad weather. Official records show the government-operated ferry was carrying at least 119 documented passengers and crew members, well exceeding its 90-person capacity limit, alongside an uncounted number of children.

Police divers, military units, and national park helicopters have rescued 77 survivors, while search and recovery operations remain underway for those still unaccounted for in the water.

In response to the tragedy, Zimbabwe declared a State of Disaster, allowing emergency authorities to deploy additional search resources and deliver humanitarian relief to the affected families.

–ChannelAfrica–