Staff Writer
State of Palestine Ambassador in Zimbabwe Dr Tamer Almassri said he received the news of the tragedy with deep sorrow.
“On behalf of the State of Palestine, and in my own name, I extend our deepest condolences to His Excellency President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the Government, and the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe, following the tragic capsizing of a boat on Lake Kariba.
“We received the news of this tragedy with great sorrow. The State of Palestine stands in solidarity with the Government and people of Zimbabwe as the nation mourns this heavy loss.
We pray for the swift recovery of those still missing, wish the survivors a speedy recovery, and extend our comfort to the bereaved families.”
Ambassador Almassri commended efforts by authorities for assisting those affected.
“We commend the efforts of the authorities, emergency services, and all individuals working tirelessly to locate the missing and assist those affected.
May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace.”
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.
At least 44 people have died after a ferry sank on Lake Kariba on Tuesday, police have said.