The death toll from a ferry disaster on Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba has climbed to 72, authorities confirmed Saturday, with at least 18 children among the victims. The vessel, which was carrying an estimated 153 people, capsized on Tuesday, making it one of the country's most devastating maritime accidents in recent history.

Police investigations indicate that the ferry was significantly overloaded when it overturned. The boat's maximum authorized capacity was for 90 passengers, but it departed Kariba town harbour with nearly twice that number. The incident has sent shockwaves through the nation, highlighting the dangers of overloaded transport.

Among the deceased are very young children, including a one-year-old and a 14-month-old, according to state broadcaster ZBC and local media reports. The ferry's captain, 59-year-old Sign Patsikadova, is also confirmed among the dead. Search and recovery efforts, involving divers, military personnel, and local fishermen, continued throughout Saturday to locate any remaining missing individuals.

The government has declared a national disaster and deployed welfare agencies to support the affected communities. The ferry served as a crucial link for remote fishing villages along the vast man-made reservoir, providing access to markets and essential services. Its loss has already led to shortages in local shops that relied on the vessel for supplies.

Survivors recounted that the boat was hit by high winds and choppy waves shortly after leaving the harbour. Passengers reportedly urged the captain to turn back, but the vessel proceeded into open water before rolling over. Many rescued passengers were initially taken to a nearby island before being transferred to health facilities in Kariba town.

Local reports indicate that the disaster has deeply impacted communities, with some households losing multiple relatives. "It has been difficult to know who to console first, as almost every homestead has lost a relative, and the worst cases more than five relatives at once," one resident told The Herald.

Lake Kariba, situated on Zimbabwe's border with Zambia, is the world's largest man-made reservoir by volume. While accidents on the lake are not frequent, this sinking marks a significant tragedy, underscoring the risks associated with overloaded passenger transport in the region.

Authorities are continuing their investigations into the exact circumstances surrounding the capsizing, with overloading identified as a primary contributing factor. The incident raises questions about maritime safety regulations and enforcement on the country's vital waterways.