Harare, Aug 13. (dpa/GNA) – At least 44 people have died in a boat accident in Zimbabwe, according to the country’s government.
An overcrowded ferry capsized on Lake Kariba in the north-west of the country after being hit by a high wave, the Ministry of Local Government said on Wednesday.
The boat reportedly had a capacity of 90 passengers but was carrying 119 adults. According to the ministry, an unspecified number of children were also on board. The accident occurred late on Tuesday.
Search and rescue operations continued on Wednesday. Specialized water rescue teams were flown into the area. So far, 77 people have been rescued.
Lake Kariba is a reservoir which covers an area of around 5,580 square kilometres on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
It is considered the world’s largest artificial lake by volume, and while it is primarily used to generate electricity for both countries, it also supports fishing and tourism.
GNA