10 Ethiopians Feared Dead After Canoe Capsizes on Zambezi River

A search operation is underway after 10 Ethiopian nationals were feared to have drowned when a canoe carrying a group of migrants capsized while attempting to cross the Zambezi River into Botswana near Mwaanga Village in Chief Sekute’s Chiefdom, Kazungula District.

According to a joint statement by the Zambia Police Service and the Department of Immigration, the incident occurred on Monday night when a group of 15 Ethiopian nationals allegedly attempted to cross the river through an unauthorized route.

Two Survivors Found

The incident came to light after members of the public alerted immigration officers about two Ethiopian nationals who had emerged from the river and were seeking assistance.

The two were identified as:

• Menigstu Getachew Arenga (33), who was reportedly found without immigration documents.
• Anebo Madamo Demeke (35), who was found in possession of a passport but had allegedly failed to report to immigration authorities upon entering Zambia.

According to the survivors, the canoe overturned during the crossing.

They told investigators that five people managed to swim to safety, while 10 others are believed to have drowned.

However, authorities say the whereabouts of three of the reported survivors remain unknown.

Massive Search Operation Launched

Following the report, a coordinated search operation was launched involving:

• Zambia Army Marine Special Forces
• Zambia Police Marine Unit
• Fire Brigade and Rescue Services
• Department of Immigration

The operation aims to locate any victims, trace the missing survivors, and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Authorities have emphasized that no bodies have been recovered so far.

“At this stage, no bodies have been recovered, and the reported drowning of the 10 individuals remains unconfirmed pending the outcome of the ongoing search operation,” the joint statement said.

Immigration Investigations Continue

Meanwhile, the two Ethiopian nationals are being held by police as they assist with investigations.

They are also being processed for alleged immigration offences.

Authorities have urged residents living in border communities to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of illegal border crossings and human smuggling activities.

The search operation remains ongoing.