The death toll from a ferry accident on Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba has climbed to 68 after authorities recovered 22 additional bodies on Saturday.

The vessel, operated by the government’s Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), overturned on Tuesday while travelling through rough waters on the lake.

Zimbabwean police confirmed the latest figure in a statement, saying the recovery of the 22 bodies had raised the number of fatalities to 68.

The ferry was reportedly carrying 114 adults and five crew members, despite being approved to transport 90 passengers. The number of children aboard at the time of the incident remains unknown.

Authorities had earlier reported that 77 people were rescued following the accident.

Most of those aboard were reportedly villagers and fish traders living in communities around Lake Kariba, which stretches along the Zimbabwe-Zambia border.

Survivors said the vessel began taking in water shortly after departure and that they urged the driver to return to shore as weather conditions deteriorated.

A memorial service was held on Thursday in the lakeside town of Kariba, where mourners gathered before the recovered victims were laid to rest.

Lake Kariba is located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia and is recognised as the world’s largest artificial lake by volume. Local residents said serious ferry accidents on the lake are uncommon.