A tragic incident involving the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church choir on Lake Bangweulu in Zambia has left the nation in mourning.
A large boat carrying 41 youths from Kashitu village to Chishi Island in Chifunabuli district for a church program, capsized. At least 16 are confirmed dead. Apparently the boat had a capacity for only 16 people and no life jackets.
In a statement by the Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson, Hon. Chushi Kasanda, MP, the government expressed its deep shock and sadness at the loss of so many lives in a single tragedy.
“The pain of losing so many lives of young people in a single tragedy of this magnitude is unbearable,” said Hon. Chushi Kasanda. “Our hearts go out to the families of the missing and presumed dead. We share in their pain and grief.”
The President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, has directed the Vice President to provide the necessary transport and logistical support to the search and rescue team. The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) in the Office of the Vice President has taken charge of the search and rescue operation.
“The government is doing everything possible to assist in the search and rescue operation,” said Hon. Chushi Kasanda. “We have deployed marines to comb the lake for any survivors and retrieve the missing bodies.”
“We remain prayerful and hopeful that the ongoing operation to search for the bodies of the drowned youths and possible survivors will be concluded soon and successfully,” said Hon. Chushi Kasanda. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and the SDA Church.”
The President of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, expressed his sympathies to the families of the deceased and the SDA Church. “To all the bereaved families and the wider SDA Church, please accept my Government’s deepest condolences for the untimely death of your beloved ones,” said the President. “As Government, we sympathize with you.”
The tragic incident has left the nation in mourning and praying for the missing bodies and survivors. The government has pledged to do everything possible to support the search and rescue operation and to ease the burden on the bereaved families.
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This is a terrible tragedy, our hearts go out to all involved. May our almighty God comfort these families.