By Bigboy Madzivanzira
Lake Kariba has claimed lives.
On Tuesday 11 August 2026, a Rural Infrastructure Development Agency vessel carrying 119 people capsized near Long Island while traveling from Kariba to Chalala. Strong waves hit the overloaded boat.
As of today, 46 people are confirmed dead, 77 rescued, and 27 still missing. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster.
But beyond the numbers is a painful question being asked in every harbour from Binga to Kariba: Why did this happen again?
Survivor accounts allege passengers warned the Captain about dangerous waves. No immediate action was taken. 16 years after the 2010 MV Zambezi disaster, we are burying more Zimbabweans for the exact same reasons: overloading, ignored warnings, and zero accountability.
THE PATTERN OF DISASTER
This is not an accident. It is a pattern.
1. Overloading: 114 adults + 5 crew + children on one vessel
2. Ignored warnings: Passengers saw danger. The boat kept going
3. No safety gear: Life jackets missing or not worn
4. Weak enforcement: Boats leave harbours without checks
Rescue operations are being led by the Zimbabwe Republic Police Sub-Aqua Unit, Zimbabwe National Army Boat Squadron, and Civil Protection. But rescue comes too late. We need prevention.
WHAT MUST BE DONE NOW: A 3-PART PLAN
1. GOVERNMENT & LAW ENFORCEMENT MUST GET TOUGH
– Zero tolerance for overloading: Marine Police must count every passenger before departure. No exceptions.
– Weather holds: Met Department must issue daily “No Sail” alerts. Violators lose their license.
– Public Inquiry with teeth: Release findings within 30 days. Name those responsible. Prosecute.
– Fund rescue teams: Use State of Disaster funds for patrol boats, radios, and recovery equipment.
2. BOAT OWNERS & OPERATORS MUST BE HELD TO STANDARD
– Life jackets mandatory: 1 per person, including children. Wear them or don’t sail.
– Licensed captains only: Inland waters certification + disaster training required.
– Working communication: Every passenger boat must have radio/GPS. No radio, no trip.
– Passenger manifest: Names recorded for every trip.
3. COMMUNITIES & CIVIL SOCIETY MUST LEAD
As health and community actors, organizations like HPCT and NASCOH have a role.
“Refuse to Board” Campaign: An overloaded boat is a death trap. You have the right to say no.
– Harbour Safety Marshals: Volunteers at Kariba, Chalala, Gache Gache to count passengers.
– Toll-free reporting line: Citizens report dangerous boats before they leave.
– Link health to safety: MoHCC must treat drowning as a preventable public health issue.
CONCLUSION: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
46 Zimbabweans died because warnings were ignored and rules were broken.
We cannot wait for another August. We cannot wait for another State of Disaster.
To the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Local Government, ZRP, and every boat operator: Fix this now.
To the people of Kariba: Your life is worth more than a trip. Speak up.
Let the 46 not have died in vain.
About the Author
Bigboy Madzivanzira is a Medical Rehabilitation Practitioner, registered with the Medical Rehabilitation Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe; a Health Promotion Practitioner registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of Zimbabwe; and a Freelance Journalist accredited by the Zimbabwe Media Commission.
He can be contacted on 0773 367 913 or email healthpromotionclinic@gmail.com