At least 15 people have died and 27 are reported missing after an overcrowded ferry capsized on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe. The boat, which was carrying 153 people including crew and an unknown number of children, overturned on Tuesday after encountering large waves.

Lake Kariba, the world's largest human-made lake by volume, is a vital waterway for transport and recreation, but its vastness and unpredictable weather can pose significant risks to maritime travel. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns on the lake.

According to Zimbabwe's civil protection unit (CPU), the ferry had a capacity for 90 people but was carrying 114 adult passengers and five crew members, with ticket sales indicating a total of 114 adults on board. A crew member told the national broadcaster ZBC that 153 people were on the vessel when it capsized.

A search and rescue operation is underway, with a specialized underwater team deployed to the area. Videos shared by local media showed individuals on the upturned ferry and rescue speedboats assisting survivors, while a helicopter circled overhead.

Passengers reported that the ferry began taking on water approximately 30 minutes after departing from the lakeshore town of Kariba, en route to nearby islands and fishing camps. The lake, which borders Zimbabwe and Zambia, was described by one witness as "angry" shortly before the incident.

Lake Kariba was created in the 1950s by damming the Zambezi River, displacing thousands and creating a massive reservoir used for hydroelectric power generation for both nations. Despite its economic importance, maritime accidents are not uncommon on the lake.

Previous incidents include a 2014 tragedy on the Zambian side where 26 people, mostly children, drowned when their boat capsized. On the Zimbabwean side, five people died in a 2021 capsizing, and three were feared dead in another incident in October 2023.

Authorities are continuing efforts to locate the missing individuals and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the capsizing. The incident raises further questions about maritime safety regulations and enforcement on Lake Kariba.