Zimbabwe ferry disaster death toll rises to 80

The death toll from a ferry capsizing on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe has risen to 80, police said on Sunday. Eight more bodies were recovered, taking the toll from the accident that occurred on Tuesday. Deccan Chronicle reports that the initial count of 68 included 18 children, with the youngest victim aged one. The Economic Times adds that the ferry, run by the government's Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), was authorised to carry 90 people but was packed with 114 adults, five crew, and an unspecified number of children.

Rescuers have recovered 80 bodies, and 77 people were rescued, suggesting the vessel carried about 157 people. The accident is believed to be the country's deadliest such disaster. The ferry was a vital link for rural communities to Kariba town, about 280 kilometres northwest of Harare. Hundreds gathered at the district hospital to identify relatives.