Search Intensifies for Missing Fisherman After Kariba Boat Inferno
A fishing boat caught fire on Lake Kariba near Long Island around 9pm Sunday, leaving one man missing and three others hospitalized with severe burns after a fuel spill ignited during a failed engine restart.
The six fishermen were traveling from Kariba town to Chalala fishing camp when the vessel’s engine stalled mid-crossing. While attempting to refuel, petrol leaked onto a hot exhaust, triggering a fire that rapidly consumed the boat.
Survivors Theophilus Katanaminina, Raymond Gunduza, and Leonard Nyamurambi were rescued and admitted to Kariba District Hospital in serious condition.
Their colleague, Twajana Sibanda Mumpande, has not yet been found.
“We were just trying to make a living. It turned into a nightmare. I’m praying Twajana is found alive,” said Gunduza from his hospital bed.
The Department of Inland Waters Control has launched a coordinated search, joined by local marine units and volunteers combing waters near the site.
In the aftermath, authorities renewed safety warnings amid a growing pattern of similar tragedies on Lake Kariba.
“We’re urging all lake users to strictly follow standard operating procedures—not as a suggestion, but as a necessity. No vessel should operate after dark.
“Refueling must be done safely, with the engine off, and every boat must be checked for seaworthiness before launching.
“These rules save lives.Kariba is vast, unpredictable, and unforgiving—cutting corners only leads to tragedy,” said Lake Captain Adan Nyekete.
Nyekete added that ignoring safety protocols not only risks lives on board but also delays search and rescue efforts in remote areas, where response resources are often stretched.
According to NewsDay, Lake Kariba has seen a series of fatal boating accidents in recent years.
In July 2021, a vessel capsized near Ndomo Fishing Camp, killing one person and leaving four others missing. In September 2023, four passengers died when a dinghy sank near Tsetse Island, with only one survivor.
As the search for Mumpande enters another day, Kariba’s fishing community remains anxious.
Authorities continue urging boat operators to follow safety protocols without exception—before the lake claims more lives.
