Nine young people from the Chilubi East Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church have already perished when their boat overturned on Lake Bangweulu.
The number of deaths has increased to nine with the recovery of eight additional youths.
Out of the 12 victims, nine are still missing today after the boat they were on capsized yesterday on their way to a church event.
Nine deaths have now been officially ruled as having occurred, while the search for the other bodies is still ongoing.
“We have retrieved nine bodies and the search for the other victims has continued. The search for the bodies was briefly suspended due to bad weather but we have now continued,”said Northern Province Commanding Officer Gloria Mulele.
On board were 41 members of the youths sailing from Chilubi Island’s Kashitu village to Chishi Island in Chifunabuli district.