Harare, August 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on Wednesday expressed condolences to Zimbabwe following the Lake Kariba ferry disaster, which has claimed 94 lives.
“At this difficult moment of grief, my thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and with all those who survived this tragic incident,” Youssouf said in a post on X. He wished the affected families strength and comfort as they cope with the loss and said the African Union stood in solidarity with Zimbabwe and the affected communities.
Official figures showed that 77 passengers had been rescued and 94 bodies recovered, while fewer than 10 people remained missing.
The Zimbabwean government has launched a formal inquest into the disaster, which occurred on August 11 when a passenger ferry capsized on Lake Kariba.
Acting Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said preliminary findings indicated that the vessel was carrying around 180 passengers along with goods, exceeding its carrying capacity. The ferry reportedly capsized after being hit by strong waves.
Mutsvangwa said the Meteorological Services Department had issued an early warning advising lake users against sailing before the incident.
She said the government had begun a formal investigation covering the structural remains of the vessel as well as operational and regulatory compliance issues. According to figures released on August 18, 77 passengers had been rescued, 93 bodies recovered and seven people confirmed by relatives as being aboard remained missing at that stage.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe attributed the disaster to human error and negligence by the captain, alleging that he proceeded despite the weather warnings.
Garwe rejected speculation that the ferry was unfit for operation, saying it had a valid fitness certificate issued by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development.
The Cabinet has approved a comprehensive inquest to establish the circumstances surrounding the decision to proceed with the voyage despite the weather warnings and safety protocols.
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