Police in Chikhwawa have confirmed the death of two women after the canoe that they boarded overturned due to heavy winds on the Shire River.

Speaking in an interview with one of the local media house, Police spokesperson sergeant Sande Ngulube identified the deceased as Milika Tenford and Malita Ephraim.

Ngulebe said seven other women have survived the accident after they successfully swimmed to the other side of the river.

According to Ngulebe, the canoe carried 10 passengers who were travelling to their farms.

Meanwhile Police have managed to recover one body while the other one is still missing.