Mnangagwa expresses deep grief over Kariba boat disaster, commits to revamp maritime systems
By Staff Reporter
President Mnangagwa has been plunged into deep grief over the tragic ferry accident on Lake Kariba that claimed 44 lives on Tuesday afternoon.
He has urged relevant authorities to promptly strengthen maritime safety systems to prevent such disasters in the future.
In a condolence message released yesterday, the President described the incident involving a Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) ferry as a State of Disaster and extended his sympathies to the families affected.
“It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I learnt of the tragic capsizing of a Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) boat on Lake Kariba,” President Mnangagwa said.
“As we mourn the tragic passing on of 44 souls whose bodies have so far been retrieved, I wish to thank the prompt response by our security arms and private citizens who rose to the occasion following this deadly incident.
“Without their swift response, many more lives would have been lost in the rough and choppy conditions which obtained on the lake on the day.”
The government is doing everything possible to locate those still missing, while survivors are receiving medical attention and psychosocial support. The President commended the security services and public for their rescue efforts, which helped save lives after the accident.
He directed all ministries, departments, and agencies responsible for water transport and maritime safety, including specialized security units, to urgently review and strengthen safety measures on the country’s inland waters.
Lessons learned from this tragedy, the President said, should lead to stronger enforcement of safety regulations to minimize future risks.
On behalf of the government, ZANU PF, his family, and the people of Zimbabwe, President Mnangagwa conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families who lost loved ones and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
The President also declared the Lake Kariba ferry tragedy a State of Disaster, allowing the government to mobilize additional resources and implement extraordinary measures to assist those affected.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said the declaration was made under Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act.
“His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, has, in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06], declared a State of Disaster following the tragic capsizing of a Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) Mbuyanehanda water vessel on Lake Kariba on 11 August 2026,” Minister Garwe confirmed.
The ferry was carrying 119 people, including 114 adult passengers and five crew members, with an unconfirmed number of children believed to be onboard. Seventy-seven people were rescued, 44 died, and others remain missing.
Following the disaster, the Department of Civil Protection immediately launched a national search and rescue operation involving the Zimbabwe Republic Police Sub-Aqua Unit, Zimbabwe National Army Boat Squadron, local authorities, and other stakeholders. Marine rescue teams intensified efforts, supported by a privately owned helicopter from the Matusadonha Conservation Trust.
Minister Garwe emphasized government’s commitment to accounting for every person aboard the vessel.
“The declaration underscores Government’s commitment to protecting lives and ensuring that all necessary resources are mobilised to support the ongoing search, rescue, recovery and humanitarian response,” he said.
He also extended condolences to the families of the deceased and praised the dedication of rescue personnel, security services, local authorities, conservation partners, and other stakeholders involved in the operation.
This tragedy stands as one of Zimbabwe’s worst recent boating accidents and has renewed focus on the enforcement of safety standards governing water transport operations.
