At least 44 people have died after a ferry sank on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe, according to police, with search and rescue teams continuing efforts to find survivors.

The ferry reportedly overturned after being struck by a powerful wave while travelling across the lake on Tuesday.

Dozens Rescued as Search Operation Continues

Authorities said the vessel had an official capacity of 90 passengers and five crew members, but the actual number of people onboard remains disputed.

A lake official initially reported that around 120 people, including 12 children, were travelling on the ferry.

The Zimbabwe Civil Protection Unit later said ticket records indicated that 114 adult passengers had been registered. Officials added that an unknown number of children below the ticketing age may also have been onboard.

So far, 77 people have been rescued, while emergency teams continue searching the waters for missing passengers.

Ferry Overturned After Strong Wave

Police said the ferry was hit by a strong wave before overturning.

Footage circulating online appeared to show the vessel’s overturned hull floating on the lake as rescue efforts got underway.

The tragedy has raised questions about the number of passengers onboard and whether the ferry was operating beyond its official capacity.

President Declares State of Disaster

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a state of disaster following the ferry sinking.

The declaration is expected to help authorities mobilise additional resources as search, rescue and recovery operations intensify.

Local officials and emergency responders are working to account for passengers and establish the circumstances surrounding the disaster.

Lake Kariba’s Importance

Lake Kariba lies along the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia and is one of the world’s largest artificial reservoirs.

The lake plays an important role in transportation and fishing and is also a major source of hydroelectric power for both countries.

Residents regularly use boats and ferries to travel between communities around the vast reservoir.

Questions Over Number of Passengers

Local lawmaker Mutsa Murombedzi raised concerns over conflicting figures regarding the number of people aboard the ferry.

She said residents had been using the vessel to travel across the lake to Kariba town, a journey that can take several hours.

The conflicting passenger figures are likely to become a major focus of the investigation as authorities work to establish exactly how many people were onboard when the ferry sank.

Families of those missing are awaiting information as rescue teams continue their search operation.