Baby survives drowning incident on Lake Kariba

A four-months-old baby has survived a drowning incident on Lake Kariba after a dugout canoe they were traveling-in with the mother and two others capsized, killing all three of them. The tragedy has prompted calls for more support to the child and stronger adherence to water…

A four-months-old baby has survived a drowning incident on Lake Kariba after a dugout canoe they were traveling-in with the mother and two others capsized, killing all three of them.

The tragedy has prompted calls for more support to the child and stronger adherence to water safety measures.

Emma Kapuka, a relative to the baby, told  the media  in an interview that the incident happened in the early hours of Monday, September 14, 2026, when the deceased were crossing the lake to attend a clinic appointment.

Ms Kapuka said the canoe was carrying three adults who all died including the baby’s mother, while the infant miraculously survived.

She has since appealed to well-wishers to help with food stuffs, diapers, milk supplements and other essentials for the child during the difficult period.

And Chief Simamba of Siavonga District in Southern Province, has commended the Marine Police for their timely response in retrieving the baby and recovering the bodies of the deceased.

The Chief was speaking after interacting and sympathizing with the relative of the baby at the Siavonga Police Station.

Chief Simamba has called on fishers and other lake users to adhere to safety measures at all times, including wearing life jackets.

He noted that the weather on the lake is currently unstable, making it difficult and risky for people to sail or conduct daily activities such as fishing and transport.

Meanwhile, the Social Welfare Department through the Public Welfare Assistance Programme is facilitating the infant’s basic needs to ensure that the baby’s food, health and care is met.

Two bodies have so far been retrieved, with search operations still underway for the third one.