Vatican City: Pope Leo has expressed deep sorrow following a deadly ferry accident on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe that has claimed the lives of more than 80 people, including at least 18 children.
The Pope said he was deeply saddened after learning about the tragedy and offered his prayers to the families and communities affected by the disaster. In a message sent on Tuesday and signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, Pope Leo extended his heartfelt condolences to those grieving the loss of their loved ones.
The Pope also prayed for the people who died in the accident, entrusting their souls to the mercy of God. He asked for comfort and strength for families who are facing the painful loss of relatives and friends.
The accident happened on August 11 when a ferry travelling across Lake Kariba from Kariba Town towards the Chalala fishing camp capsized. Early reports indicate that the boat may have been carrying more passengers than it could safely accommodate. Strong winds were also reported in the area around the time of the accident.
Zimbabwean police said on Tuesday that the recovery of eight additional bodies had increased the confirmed death toll to 80. Among those who died were 18 children, adding to the grief surrounding a disaster that has affected several families in communities around the lake.
Pope Leo also remembered the civil authorities, emergency workers and rescue teams involved in the difficult operation to search for survivors and recover those who died. He offered prayers for everyone affected and asked for divine blessings of consolation, healing and strength.
The disaster has prompted questions about the condition of the ferry and the safety of transport on Lake Kariba. Investigations are continuing as authorities work to establish exactly what caused the vessel to overturn.
Reports indicate that the ferry had been operating for about 41 years. The vessel was travelling towards rural and fishing communities in northwestern Zimbabwe, where many people depend on water transport because roads are often in poor condition and other public transport options are limited.
The tragedy has also led to a national response from the Zimbabwean government. President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a national state of emergency following the accident and promised medical and psychological assistance to families affected by the disaster.
Families and local residents gathered at a memorial service at Kariba Stadium on August 13 to remember those who died. The gathering provided an opportunity for relatives and community members to mourn together as rescue teams continued their work.
Lake Kariba is one of the largest artificial reservoirs in the world and stretches for more than 200 kilometres along the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is an important part of daily life for many rural communities, fishermen and people who use the lake as a transport route.
The lake was created after the construction of a dam on the Zambezi River between the late 1950s and early 1960s. Over the decades, it has become an important economic and transport link for communities living around its shores.
The ferry disaster has now raised renewed concerns about safety standards, the condition of older vessels and the challenges faced by people living in remote areas. As investigations continue, families are waiting for answers about how the tragedy happened and whether it could have been prevented.
For those who have lost loved ones, however, the immediate concern remains grief and recovery. Pope Leo's message has added a voice of solidarity to the national mourning, offering prayers for the victims, their families and all those working to respond to one of Zimbabwe's deadliest recent transport disasters.