Guyana Ferry Disaster: Crew Detained as Death Toll Rises to 27
Twenty-seven bodies have been recovered from a ferry that capsized off Guyana’s coast, marking the country’s worst marine disaster in decades. The MV Barima, carrying 179 people, overturned on Saturday night while traveling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma.
Authorities have rescued 69 people, but 83 individuals are still missing. The disaster has led to the detention of the ferry’s captain and at least one crew member after they tested positive for marijuana. This revelation has intensified an investigation into potential negligence.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill stated that there is a zero-tolerance policy for crew members using drugs or alcohol while on duty. He called the positive drug tests from the captain “serious.”
The initial count of people on board was 116 passengers and 17 crew. However, 32 rescued individuals were not listed on the official manifest. This suggests the true number of people on the ferry was much higher than first reported.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips has launched an investigation into the incident. Concerns about unrecorded passengers are a key part of this inquiry.
Passengers have previously reported that staff at state-run ferry terminals were selling tickets for cash without recording them. Minister Edghill described this practice as a “criminal action.”
President Irfaan Ali visited survivors and their families in the hospital. He expressed his condolences and assured them that they would receive necessary support and assistance. The president called it a “deeply emotional experience” to hear their stories and share in their pain.
