- 27 people are dead and 83 more are missing after a ferry capsized off the coast of Guyana over the weekend, Prime Minister Mark Phillips said Monday.
- Bodies recovered from the capsized ferry include 27 bodies as confirmed by Guyana’s government, which stated the ferry had 179 people on board.
- The MV Barima capsized off the North Atlantic coast, approximately seven miles from shore, while traveling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma.
- 69 people had been rescued so far, but 83 are yet to be found, according to Prime Minister Mark Phillips.
- The search for survivors is ongoing, but early responses were hampered by darkness and a lack of vessels with scanners.
- The captain and other crew members are now in police custody, and at least one crew member tested positive for marijuana.
- Inaccuracies in the ferry’s passenger list were noted, as some rescued individuals were not listed on the manifest.
- Prime Minister Mark Phillips stated that an investigation has been launched into wrongdoing involving members of the police force, defense force, and maritime administration department.
At least 27 people are confirmed dead and 83 are still missing after the MV Barima ferry capsized off the coast of Guyana, according to Prime Minister Mark Phillips. The vessel, which was carrying 179 passengers, sank late Saturday while traveling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma.39
The search for survivors continues, with 69 individuals rescued so far. Authorities initially reported 10 deaths, but the toll has risen as recovery efforts progressed. The ferry was licensed to carry over 300 passengers and was equipped with 250 life jackets and several life rafts, raising questions about safety protocols.5
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill stated that the captain and crew are in police custody, with reports indicating that some tested positive for marijuana. An investigation into potential negligence is underway, with Phillips asserting, “where negligence, misconduct or criminal wrongdoing is established, those responsible will face the full force of the law.”
Eyewitness Leon Murray recounted the harrowing experience, stating, “Six of them gone,” referring to his family members who remain unaccounted for. The search area has been expanded to 1,040 square kilometers as rescuers face challenges due to darkness and limited resources.
The tragedy has sparked outrage and calls for accountability as the nation mourns the loss of life and hopes for the safe return of the missing.
“Prime Minister Mark Phillips said 69 people have been rescued so far, while the captain and other crew members are in police custody after testing positive for marijuana. Authorities have expanded the search area to 1,040 square kilometers and launched an investigation into possible negligence.”
CNN
