At least 15 people have died after a ferry capsized on Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba during bad weather, according to authorities on Tuesday, as search and rescue operations continued.

Zimbabwe's Civil Protection Unit said 77 people had been rescued, but the exact number of passengers aboard the vessel remained unclear. The ferry has a stated capacity of 90 passengers and five crew members. However, ticketing records indicated that 114 adults were on board, while the number of children below ticketing age was not immediately known.

Helicopters, boats and divers were deployed to the scene to assist with the rescue operation. Their arrival was reportedly delayed by severe weather conditions.

A witness said the ferry departed in the morning despite the bad weather and may have been struck by a large wave, causing its engines to shut down before the vessel capsized. Authorities continued efforts to locate missing passengers as rescue teams worked through the difficult conditions. The final death toll could rise as the search operation progresses.

— CHANNELS