Zimbabwe Church Expresses Solidarity With Ferry Disaster Victims as Death Toll Reaches 84

The Catholic Church in Zimbabwe has expressed solidarity with families affected by a ferry disaster on Lake Kariba that has claimed at least 84 lives, including several children.

The Diocese of Chinhoyi, which serves the area around the lake in northern Zimbabwe, has called on people of goodwill to support families affected by the tragedy and offered pastoral assistance to survivors and those mourning their loved ones.

The ferry Mbuya Nehanda capsized on August 11 while traveling from Kariba toward remote fishing communities on Lake Kariba, one of Africa’s largest artificial lakes, which forms part of the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The vessel was reportedly struck by strong waves before overturning, leaving dozens of passengers dead or missing.

In a statement issued August 17, Bishop Patrick Ngwenya of Chinhoyi said the Diocese received news of the disaster with “deep sorrow” and was coordinating pastoral support through parishioners in Kariba.

“In keeping with our Christian calling, the Diocese, through parishioners in Kariba, is coordinating pastoral support to the affected families,” Bishop Ngwenya said.

He appealed to people of goodwill to join the Church in prayer and extend charitable and practical assistance to those affected.

The tragedy has caused widespread grief across Zimbabwe, particularly because of the number of children among the victims. Four additional bodies were recovered Aug. 16, bringing the confirmed death toll to 84, according to reports. Search and recovery operations continue for those still believed to be missing.

At least 77 people were rescued during the initial emergency response. Reports indicate that at least 18 children died, including 16 who were reportedly 10 years old or younger. The youngest known victim was a one-year-old child.

The ferry was reportedly authorized to carry 90 passengers, although accounts indicate that significantly more people may have been aboard when it capsized. One report estimated that as many as 153 people were traveling on the vessel, including five crew members.

The disaster has prompted a major national response. President Emmerson Mnangagwa mourned the victims and declared a state of disaster, while government agencies continued coordinating rescue and recovery efforts and assistance to affected families.

The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) also expressed solidarity with those mourning the loss of their loved ones. In a statement issued Aug. 12, the bishops said they had learned with “profound sorrow” of the capsizing of the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency ferry.

The bishops assured survivors and bereaved families of the Church’s prayers and pastoral presence.

Through the Diocese of Chinhoyi and parish communities in Kariba, the Church is accompanying families as they face grief, uncertainty and the difficult process of recovery.

The Diocese’s appeal comes as the Church seeks to respond to the tragedy not only through prayer but also through practical assistance and solidarity with communities affected by the disaster.