Guyanese authorities confirm death of 72 people in sinking of coastal ferry | Guyana
The confirmed death toll from the recent capsizing of a government ferry off the coast of Guyana has risen to 72; More bodies were recovered as a multinational team worked to free the partially submerged ship.
Of the estimated 179 people on board, 76 people were rescued. The government estimates that 100 people may have died in the accident, which would make it the worst maritime tragedy on record for the South American country.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips said late Thursday that the crew had expanded the search area and was determined to find everyone on board so their loved ones could bury them with dignity.
“The government of Guyana remains in solidarity with all those affected during this difficult time and will ensure that every available resource is used until the operation reaches a safe and dignified conclusion,” he said.
The 87-year-old MV Barima left the capital, Georgetown, on Saturday and headed towards Kaituma Harbor when it began to take on water and capsized in Atlantic waters off the coast of Essequibo.
The ferry was not insured and the government paid for the funeral and other related expenses, Phillips said.
As divers from countries including Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago try to free the ship, officials say they hope to check for possible damage that could shed light on what happened.
Police have launched a criminal investigation and have detained three people so far, including the rescued captain and a crew member who authorities said tested positive for marijuana.
The maritime chief responsible for supervising the loading of the ferry was also detained. The government maintains the ship was under capacity for both people and cargo, but survivors told reporters they believed it was overloaded.
The ship’s manifest listed 116 passengers and 17 crew, but authorities believe there were as many as 179 people on board.
A growing number of Guyanese are questioning why it took so long to rescue people, and some survivors told The Associated Press they were in the water for hours.
Phillips asked for patience and said authorities are awaiting the outcome of the investigation. The findings will be examined by a commission of inquiry that has not yet been established.
When asked why the 87-year-old ferry was still in service, the government said it had purchased a new ship from India in recent months to replace the MV Barima, but was waiting for the completion of the new jetty required to accommodate it at Kaituma Port.
MV Barima was last docked for major repairs in 2024, with additional work planned for October.
