A houseboat named Zambuka sank on Lake Kariba after severe weather caused waves to flood its engine compartments. The captain tried to beach the vessel at Mica Point but it submerged before reaching shore. All passengers survived, with one minor injury.Lake Kariba — Africa’s inland
ocean and the world’s largest man-made reservoir — unleashed its fury over the weekend when a luxury pontoon boat was overturned by a sudden and violent storm, leaving shocked tourists scrambling for shore as furniture, bags, and equipment washed up along the rocky beach.
Photos from the scene show the vessel thrown almost onto its side, a chilling visual testament to the raw force of Kariba’s unpredictable waters.
Public Praises Captain: “Thank goodness he got everyone to safety”Fleming, who applauded the skipper’s rapid response:
“Thank goodness the captain got everyone to safety as quickly as he did.”
Fleming added that:
“The moment he realised conditions were rougher than they appeared, he made the immediate call to turn back.”
She described his actions as “nothing short of commendable.”
KARIBA REGULARS: “Kariba can change in an instant”
Long-time Kariba visitors, familiar with the lake’s notorious mood swings, defended the captain amid rising public debate.NYAMINYAMI’S FURY: “When the river god gets angry…”
Others invoked the legendary Zambezi river spirit.
Leroy Christopher Botha commented:
“Kariba can be the most stunning place on earth but when nyaminyami gets angry that water turns into an ugly beast.”
He noted the captain had done well to get passengers “as close to shore as he could.”
Calls for Empathy: “Stop turning tragedy into entertainment”
