Mnangagwa declares Kariba boat tragedy State of Disaster
By Staff Reporter
President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has, in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06], declared the Kariba boat tragedy a State of Disaster.
This follows the tragic capsizing of a Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) Mbuyanehanda water vessel on Lake Kariba on 11 August 2026.
The vessel, which was travelling from Kariba to Chalala, capsized after reportedly being struck by strong waves while navigating near Long Island. At the time of the incident, the vessel was carrying 119 people, comprising 114 adult passengers and five crew members, with an unconfirmed number of children also believed to have been on board.
As of the latest update, 77 people have been rescued, while 15 fatalities have been confirmed. The fate of 27 people remains unknown as search and rescue operations continue. The Government, through the Department of Civil Protection, immediately activated the national search and rescue response following the incident.
Local government minister Daniel Garwe in a statement said the operation is being conducted in close collaboration with the Zimbabwe Republic Police Sub-Aqua Unit, the Zimbabwe National Army Boat Squadron, local authorities and other relevant stakeholders. Rescue efforts have since been intensified, with marine rescue teams actively searching the affected area and assisting survivors.
“A privately- owned helicopter from the Matusadonha Conservation Trust has also been deployed to support aerial search and rescue operations. The declaration enables the Government to mobilise extraordinary measures and resources necessary to assist and protect persons affected, or likely to be affected, by the disaster.
“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.
“The Department of Civil Protection will continue coordinating the multi-agency response, while efforts remain focused on accounting for every passenger and crew member who was on board the vessel. The Government extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives in this tragic incident. We also commend the rescue personnel, security services, local authorities, conservation partners and other stakeholders who continue to work tirelessly under challenging conditions.
“Further updates will be issued as and when more information is verified and confirmed.”
