President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is mourning the loss of 44 people in neighbouring Zimbabwe in a ferry disaster on Lake Kariba.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is mourning the loss of 44 people in neighbouring Zimbabwe

He has extended his condolences to the government and the people in Zimbabwe, adding that his thoughts are also with the survivors of the tragedy, as well as families waiting on the outcome of continuing search operations. It’s believed that an overloaded ferry had capsized on Tuesday after it was apparently struck by strong waves.

A speedy recovery

More than 77 people were reportedly rescued. The president has also wished survivors a speedy recovery. He also paid tribute to the emergency services who assisted during the ordeal.

Ferry tragedy: A state of disaster declared

According to reports, the vessel was operated by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency. It’s believed to have been travelling between the lakeside town of Kariba and Chalala when tragedy struck. The accident occurred near Long Island. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a state of disaster.