The death toll from the capsizing of a passenger ferry on Lake Kariba has risen to 68 after rescue teams recovered 22 additional bodies, authorities said Saturday.
The ferry, operated by the state-run Rural Infrastructure Development Agency, was approved for 90 people but carried 114 adults, five crew members and an unknown number of children when it went down. Civil defence officials said 77 people were rescued.
Survivor Chance Siyamavhu said passengers scrambled for life jackets but most did not know how to use them, while onboard security officer Anymore Chambati said he managed to distribute no more than ten vests before the vessel sank. Survivors said they pleaded with the captain to turn back as water entered the boat. A memorial service was held Thursday in the town of Kariba for the victims.