Zimbabwe said 12 more bodies were recovered, lifting the Lake Kariba death toll to 84.
Why it matters: The recovery effort is still under way, and authorities have not said the final toll is fixed. The incident also puts renewed focus on crowding and safety oversight on Lake Kariba transport.
- Zimbabwe police said Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, that the death toll rose from 72 to 84 after 12 additional bodies were recovered.
- AP reported the ferry capsized in strong waves on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, on Lake Kariba.
- AP said 77 people were rescued and that as many as 153 may have been aboard a ferry authorized to carry 90.
- AP reported that 18 children were among the dead, including 16 victims aged 10 or younger.
Authorities in Zimbabwe said the death toll in the Lake Kariba ferry capsizing rose to 84 on Sunday after 12 additional bodies were recovered, according to AP's reporting on the recovery effort. Zimbabwe police said the previous day's toll had been 72 and that search efforts were continuing for people still listed as missing.
AP reported the ferry capsized in strong waves on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, on Lake Kariba, which Zimbabwe shares with Zambia. The vessel had been traveling from Kariba town to rural and fishing communities in Zimbabwe's northwest.
AP also reported that 77 people were rescued. It said estimates put the number of passengers as high as 153 on a ferry authorized to carry 90, raising questions about overcrowding on the trip.
Among the dead were 18 children, AP reported, including 16 victims aged 10 or younger and the youngest just 1 year old. The search and recovery operation was still underway as of Sunday.
Read AP's report on the latest recovery effort here.
By the numbers
- 84 - Death toll Zimbabwe police said on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, after 12 more bodies were recovered.
- 77 - People AP reported were rescued from the ferry.
- 153 - Estimated passenger load AP reported, versus a 90-person authorized capacity.
Yes, but: AP said the search was still ongoing, so the final death toll could change.
What's next: Search and recovery efforts were still underway on Lake Kariba, with Zimbabwe police continuing to update the toll as bodies are recovered.