A very heartbreaking and painful news has come out from Zimbabwe. A large boat carrying 95 passengers suddenly capsized in Zimbabwe's famous Lake Kariba. After this horrific accident, there is panic in the entire area. According to initial reports, 15 people are feared dead in this horrific accident, while more than 20 people are still reported missing, for whom rescue operation is being conducted.
How did this terrible accident happen?
According to information received from police and eyewitnesses, this heart-wrenching incident happened in Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe on Tuesday. The boat was the main means of transportation between the northern city of Kariba and the many remote islands and fishing camps there. It is being told that after hitting the strong and dangerous waves, this boat lost balance and immediately overturned in the water.
Let us tell you that Lake Kariba is located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, which is about 300 kilometers i.e. more than 185 miles north-east of the country's capital Harare. In terms of volume and spread of water, it is considered to be the largest man-made lake in the world.
Bad weather and strong waves wreaked havoc
Police confirmed the incident and said that a total of 90 passengers and 5 crew members were on board this boat, which met with an accident in the middle of Lake Kariba. An eyewitness recounting his story to AFP said that despite bad weather, the boat had departed as usual on time in the morning.
Probably, during the journey, some very strong and dangerous wave of water might have hit the boat, due to which the engine of the boat suddenly stopped and it became the victim of an accident.
Rescue operation and rescue work with the help of helicopter
A person named Maxton Kanhema, who was present at the spot, said that when they were near the water, they started seeing clear signs of danger and distress, after which other boats nearby immediately came forward to help.
Considering the seriousness of the situation, a special helicopter was made available by Matusado National Park to expedite the rescue work. Apart from this, big boats and skilled divers of the local administration and army also immediately got involved in relief and rescue operations.
60 people were rescued safely, search operation continues
Police officials have informed that till now about 60 people have been rescued safely. The bodies of those who lost their lives in the accident are being safely brought to Kariba for identification.
The administration says that it took some time to reach the accident site, due to which unfortunately some people lost precious lives. The search operation is still going on in the lake to find the missing people.