A passenger ferry capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe on Tuesday, resulting in one of the country's worst passenger boat disasters. Police report that the death toll from the incident has risen to 44.
The government ferry, which serves as a vital link for villagers and fish traders around the world's largest human-made lake, was crowded far beyond its capacity. While the vessel was designed to hold 90 people, it was carrying at least 114 adults, five crew members, and an unknown number of children.
According to police and the civil protection unit, the overloaded boat was hit by strong waves and overturned in choppy waters. Although dozens have been rescued, a search operation continues for those remaining missing.