Dozens Feared Dead After Passenger Ferry Sinks Near Guyana Coast
Dozens feared dead after passenger ferry – A passenger ferry carrying over 100 people has capsized off the coast of Guyana, sparking fears of dozens of fatalities. The MV Barima, en route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, sent a distress signal late Saturday, prompting an urgent search and rescue operation. As of Sunday afternoon, 67 individuals—including 15 children—had been recovered, but the fate of the remaining 66 passengers remains uncertain. The incident has raised concerns about maritime safety and the reliability of onboard records, as discrepancies in the passenger manifest have emerged. Authorities are working tirelessly to locate the missing individuals in the vast search area covering over 1,000 square kilometers.
Investigation Into Causes Unfolds
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill emphasized that the search efforts have expanded significantly, from 400 to 1,040 square kilometers, to ensure no possible location is overlooked. “We are doing everything humanly possible to find the missing,” he stated during a press briefing. The minister revealed that the captain and at least one crew member tested positive for marijuana, suggesting potential impairment during the critical moments of the incident. Additionally, several rescued individuals were not listed on the ferry’s manifest, prompting questions about the accuracy of the passenger records and the possible overloading of the vessel.
“The search and rescue operation is ongoing, and we remain committed to uncovering the truth,” Edghill added, urging patience from the families of the missing.
Edghill initially ruled out negligence but later acknowledged that the presence of drugs among the crew and manifest discrepancies could have contributed to the disaster. These findings have intensified scrutiny of the ferry’s operations and highlighted the need for stricter oversight of maritime safety protocols. Investigators are also examining whether the vessel was operating within its permitted capacity, as it was reported to be carrying 268 tons of cargo out of a 284-ton limit.
Survivor Shares Details of the Disaster
Leon Murray, a passenger on the MV Barima, described the terrifying moments leading to the shipwreck. “About four hours after departing Georgetown, someone shouted that the boat was going down,” he recounted to Ignite News. Murray managed to escape using a life jacket, while floating on debris and calling for help. He confirmed that his wife, daughter, and four grandchildren were still missing, emphasizing the emotional toll on his family. “Six of us are gone,” he said, reflecting the deep impact of the tragedy on the local community.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips stressed that the ferry was operating within its cargo limit and had the necessary safety equipment, including 250 life jackets and inflatable rafts. However, he also announced an investigation into potential misconduct by police, defense, and maritime officials, vowing to hold those responsible accountable. “Where negligence or criminal wrongdoing is established, we will take decisive action,” Phillips declared, underscoring the government’s commitment to transparency.
Meanwhile, emergency responders and fishermen have been working in tandem to cover the expansive search zone. Helicopters and boats scoured the waters, aided by the efforts of local communities who have mobilized to support the recovery mission. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has coordinated the operation, prioritizing the retrieval of survivors and the recovery of the ship’s wreckage. As the search continues, officials are also reviewing the ferry’s maintenance history and crew training to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Community Response and Ongoing Concerns
The disaster has deeply affected families and communities in Guyana, where the ferry was a regular part of daily life. Local leaders have expressed solidarity with the victims, while calling for improved safety measures to protect future passengers. “This is a moment of great sorrow for our nation,” said one community representative. “We need to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again.” The incident has also prompted discussions about the need for better enforcement of maritime regulations and the role of crew conduct in accident prevention.
As of now, the exact cause of the capsizing remains under investigation, but early reports point to possible human error. The MV Barima, which has been in service for several years, is believed to have been carrying more than its intended passenger capacity. This could have compromised the vessel’s stability, especially in the rough seas that are common in the region. Experts warn that overloading combined with potential crew impairment could have been a deadly combination. The findings of the investigation may lead to changes in how ferry operations are managed, particularly in Guyana’s coastal waters.
International maritime organizations are closely monitoring the situation, offering technical support to Guyana’s authorities. The incident has also raised questions about the adequacy of safety protocols for smaller vessels operating in the region. With no further survivors located, the focus has shifted to understanding the full extent of the tragedy and implementing measures to prevent future disasters. For now, the families of the missing await answers, hoping for clarity as the search continues into the early hours of Monday morning.
