The death toll from a ferry accident on Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe, has climbed to 68 after 22 more bodies were recovered, police announced on Saturday. The vessel capsized on Tuesday on the lake, which borders Zambia, with an investigation indicating it was overloaded and caught in heavy winds.

This incident is believed to be the country's deadliest maritime disaster. The majority of the passengers are thought to be villagers and fish traders residing near the lake. Officials confirmed the ferry was licensed for 90 passengers but was carrying 114 adults, five crew members, and an unknown number of children.

Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Muchechesi, commander of the boat regiment leading the search, stated that 22 bodies were recovered on Saturday, expressing confidence in retrieving all remaining victims. The civil protection unit reported on Wednesday that 77 people had been rescued.

Hundreds of people gathered at the district hospital in the lakeside town of Kariba to identify the bodies of their deceased relatives and friends. A public memorial service was held in Kariba, approximately 280km northwest of the capital Harare, on Thursday, preceding the burials.

Survivors recounted pleading with the ferry operator to return as the boat began taking on water shortly after its departure. One survivor, Chance Siyamavhu, 45, described how a wave pushed the sinking vessel, allowing some passengers to climb onto its overturned hull.

Reports suggest the ferry was authorized to carry 90 people but was significantly overloaded. The disaster highlights ongoing concerns about maritime safety and the enforcement of regulations on public transport vessels in the region.

The recovered bodies were taken to the Kariba hospital mortuary for identification before burial. The tragedy has cast a shadow over the lakeside community, with many families grappling with the loss of loved ones.

Investigations into the exact cause of the overloading and the circumstances leading to the capsizing are ongoing. Authorities are expected to release further details as the inquiry progresses, potentially leading to new safety measures or stricter oversight of ferry operations.