HARARE, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from the Lake Kariba boat capsize accident in Zimbabwe has risen to 97 after two more bodies were recovered on Thursday, local police said.
The vessel was carrying about 180 passengers and cargo, far exceeding its capacity, when it capsized after being struck by strong waves while en route from Kariba town to the Chalala Fishing Camp on Aug. 11. A total of 77 people were rescued.
Preliminary investigations attribute the disaster to human error and negligence by the captain, who proceeded with the journey despite early weather warnings advising against sailing.
The government has launched a formal inquest into what is now the country's worst public transport accident. ■