The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) has expressed condolences to families affected by the Lake Kariba ferry disaster, describing the incident as a national loss and calling for prayer and solidarity with those affected.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the bishops said they had learnt with sorrow of the capsizing of the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) ferry Mbuya Nehanda on Lake Kariba, which claimed lives and left others missing.
“At this painful moment, our hearts and prayers go first to the families who have lost their loved ones,” the ZCBC said.
“The sudden loss of a parent, spouse, child, relative or friend leaves a wound that words alone cannot heal. We commend all those who have died to the loving mercy of God and pray that He may grant strength, consolation and hope to their grieving families.”
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The bishops extended their condolences to RIDA, whose personnel and passengers were among those affected, as well as communities affected by the disaster.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences and solidarity to the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), whose personnel and passengers were affected by this tragedy, and to all communities touched by this devastating loss,” the statement said.
The church also expressed solidarity with families waiting for news of relatives as search and recovery operations continued on the lake.
“Our thoughts and prayers are also with those anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones as search and recovery operations continue. May God sustain them during these agonising moments of uncertainty,” the bishops said.
The ZCBC commended the government and emergency responders involved in the operation, including the Department of Civil Protection, Zimbabwe Republic Police Sub-Aqua Unit, Zimbabwe National Army Boat Squadron, local authorities and other agencies at the scene.
“The ZCBC expresses its appreciation to the government and all those participating in the ongoing search and recovery efforts, who continue to work under difficult circumstances,” the statement said.
The bishops said the disaster had affected the country as a whole and called on Catholics and other Zimbabweans to support the bereaved families.
“This tragedy is not a loss for the affected families alone; it is a loss for our entire nation. We therefore invite the Catholic faithful and all people of goodwill across Zimbabwe to stand together in prayer and solidarity with the bereaved and all those affected by this disaster,” the ZCBC said.
The bishops said their Christian faith offered hope to those grieving the loss of loved ones.
“In moments such as these, our Christian faith reminds us that death does not have the final word. Christ, who Himself passed through death and rose again, remains our hope even in the darkest moments of grief,” they said.
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