A DDF (Rural Infrastructure Development Agency – RIDA) boat, reportedly the RIDA Mbuyanehanda Ferry, carrying 90 passengers and five crew members, capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. The vessel was overloaded, with a stated capacity of 90 people, but ticket sales confirmed 114 adult passengers, with an unknown number of children potentially onboard. Rescue operations are underway, with 77 people rescued and taken to an island. As of reports, at least 15 fatalities have been confirmed, and 27 individuals are still missing. Local Member of Parliament Mutsa Murombedzi shared a video showing the ageing ferry departing, with some onlookers expressing concern about its ability to withstand strong waves on the lake.
Key Players Involved
- Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP): Initiated rescue efforts and released initial statements.
- Civil Protection Unit: Confirmed fatalities, missing persons, and rescued individuals.
- DDF (Rural Infrastructure Development Agency – RIDA): Owner of the capsized RIDA Mbuyanehanda Ferry.
- Mutsa Murombedzi: Local Member of Parliament who shared footage of the ferry’s departure.
Event Timeline
- August 11, 2026: DDF boat capsizes on Lake Kariba.
- August 11, 2026: Rescue operations commence; 77 people rescued.
- August 11, 2026: At least 15 fatalities confirmed, 27 still missing.
