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Pope Leo grieves for victims of Zimbabwe ferry disaster
Pope Leo mourns victims of a ferry disaster in Zimbabwe, praying for those who died as well as for civil authorities and rescue works, and all affected by the tragedy.
By Vatican News
Pope Leo says he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the ferry accident on Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe, which claimed the lives of more than 80 people, including numerous children.
In a telegram signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and sent today, 18 August, the Holy Father sent his “heartfelt condolences” to those who are mourning the loss of loved ones, assuring them that he is entrusting the souls of those who died “to the loving mercy of Almighty God.
The accident occurred last Tuesday, August 11, when the boat, which appears to have been overloaded with passengers, capsized whilst crossing from Kariba Town to the Chalala fishing camp. Zimbabwean police this morning said the recovery of eight more bodies today brings the confirmed death toll to 80, including 18 children.
The Pope also offered his prayers for the civil authorities and emergency personnel involved in rescue efforts. “Upon all those affected,” the text read, Pope Leo “invokes the divine blessings of consolation, healing and strength.”
Lake Kariba (AFP or licensors)
Ongoing investigations
Meanwhile, investigations are continuing to establish the exact circumstances of the disaster. According to some press reports, the ferry had been in service for 41 years and the crossing of the lake took place in strong winds. The vessel was heading towards a number of rural and fishing communities in the north-west of the country, an area where roads are in poor condition and public transport links are limited.
In the wake of the accident, Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a national state of emergency, pledging to provide medical and psychological support to the affected families, who paid tribute to their loved ones at a memorial service held at Kariba Stadium on 13 August.
Lake Kariba, one of the world’s largest artificial reservoirs, borders Zambia and is a vital transport route for rural communities and fishermen in the area. Created by the construction of a dam on the Zambezi River between the late 1950s and early 1960s, it stretches for over 200 kilometres.
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