Rescue operation still ongoing: At least 44 dead in boat accident in Zimbabwe

According to the government of the southern African country, at least 44 people have died in a boat accident in Zimbabwe. An overcrowded ferry capsized in a high wave on Lake Kariba in the northwest of the country, the Ministry of Local Government said. The boat therefore had a capacity of 90 passengers, but carried 119 adults. According to the ministry, an unspecified number of children were also on board.

The accident occurred late on Tuesday. Search and rescue operations continued on Wednesday. Specialized water rescue teams were flown into the area. So far 77 people have been rescued.

The approximately 5,580 square kilometer reservoir on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe is considered the world’s largest artificial lake by volume. It is primarily used to generate electricity for both countries, but is also used for fishing and tourism.