Six people among them four juveniles have drowned on Lake Bangweulu in Chifunabuli District, after the boat they were traveling in capsized on their way to Chishi Island.
That the Chishi Island bound boat was carrying 21 passengers and other household items from Lubwe when it capsized.
Chifunabuli District Commissioner, Stanley Mukosa has confirmed the incident which happened on April 21, 2026 at around 11:00 hours.
“A fatal marine accident occurred on Lake Bangweulu involving a passenger boat traveling from Lubwe Harbor to Chishi Island where six of the 21 passengers on board died and among the six were children under the age of 10 while two people were hospitalised,” he said.
Mr Mukosa suspected the boat capsized due to overloading.
“The vessel capsized due to suspected overloading as it had 21 passengers on board, three by 250 liters of opaque beer (Chibuku), two goats, four by 50kg bags of charcoal, three by 50 kg bags of cement and three by 50 kg bags of Meali Meal,” Mr Mukosa explained.
He has identified the deceased as Catherine Mwelwa, 45, Grace Chilufya, 25, Joseph Mwewa, ten, Petronella Musongo, four, Faith Musongo and Matilda Chibwe both aged two.
Mr Mukosa has disclosed that all bodies of the deceased have been retrieved and will be buried immediately.
Meanwhile, Chifunabuli District Disaster Management Officer, Lawrence Jaliso says the incident highlights critical gaps in water transport safety in the district including life jackets, weak enforcement of regulations, inadequate rescue capacity and calls for immediate and long term interventions.
“There is need for enforcement of mandatory use of life jackets on all water transport, strengthening harbor management and passenger / load regulations, community sensitization on water transport, establishment of rapid response and rescue mechanisms on Lakes Chifunabuli and Bangweulu as well as routine inspection of boats and operators,” Mr Jaliso said.
We cannot continue losing lives this way when us the taxpayers pay taxes every month for government to ensure safety of its citizens. After the tragedy, you say you suspect the boat was over loaded, and where was the one paid to check that boats are not over loaded before leaving. UPND is just a total night mare, even if this which is indefensible, they will try to defend. How do you fail every thing. Commission an inquiry, tell us the residents, we judge bit for now, this is not good
And they will be very quick at handling funeral expenses, meanwhile lives are lost for good