At least 27 people have died and 83 remain missing following the capsizing of the MV Barima off the coast of Guyana. The ferry, which was traveling from the capital, Georgetown, to the village of Port Kaituma, overturned late on Saturday night, triggering an extensive search-and-rescue operation that continued into Monday.
According to Prime Minister Mark Phillips, authorities are now confident that 179 people were aboard the vessel at the time of the incident. This figure significantly exceeds the 133 passengers and crew listed on the ship’s official manifest, a discrepancy that officials say has severely complicated rescue efforts.
Investigation into Negligence and Drug Use
Prime Minister Phillips has launched an investigation into potential institutional failures, stating that those responsible for any negligence, misconduct, or criminal wrongdoing will face the full force of the law.
The probe is expected to examine the roles of the police force, the defence force, and the maritime administration department.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill confirmed that the ferry’s captain and at least one other crew member are currently in police custody after testing positive for marijuana. Expressing his anger during a news conference, Edghill accused operators of attempting to cheat the system,
noting that many of the 69 people rescued were not present on the official passenger list.
Rescue Operations and Challenges
The search-and-rescue operation, initially hindered by darkness and a lack of vessels equipped with scanning technology, has since expanded to cover 1,070 square kilometers (approximately 413 square miles), according to reports from France24 and Jamaicaobserver.
The search has been bolstered by the deployment of private energy sector vessels, local fishermen, and a specialized team from the French army, which included 12 divers, two doctors, and a mechanic. By Monday afternoon, the vessel was located on the seabed, according to Deodat Indar, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation.
Survivors have described a chaotic scene. Passenger Leon Murray told local media that the boat began to sink approximately four hours into the journey. Another survivor, Elena Moonsammy, reported that the vessel tilted after being struck by a large wave, causing water to rush in within seconds. Moonsammy, who survived by clinging to a floating box, noted that she was separated from her two-year-old child during the event.
Vessel Status and Safety
The MV Barima, a 40-meter-long vessel built in 1939, was reportedly due for dry docking later this year, having last undergone maintenance in 2024. Despite its age, Prime Minister Phillips stated that the vessel was licensed to carry more than 300 passengers and was equipped with 250 life jackets, six inflatable life rafts, and two rigid life rafts.
Data provided by the Prime Minister indicated the vessel reported a cargo weight of 268 tons, within its 284-ton capacity. However, as the search continues, authorities remain focused on recovery efforts while families gather in Region One, where President Irfaan Ali has met with survivors and relatives of the missing.
The government continues to coordinate with private companies, including VEHSI and Exxon Mobil, to assist in the ongoing recovery mission.
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