Guyana launches probe as death toll from ferry sinking goes up to 27

GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Rescuers in Guyana searched for survivors on Monday as authorities launched an investigation after a ferry believed to have been overloaded capsized over the weekend.

The death toll from the sinking ferry in Guyana has risen to at least 27, with dozens still missing, Guyanese Prime Minister Mark Phillips said on Monday.

The MV Barima was traveling from the capital Georgetown to the northwestern village of Port Kaituma when it capsized. The government's National Communications Network said on Monday afternoon that 69 people had been rescued, while another 83 remain missing. The government said at least 32 of the people rescued were not listed on the passenger manifest.

The vessel overturned late on Saturday. Authorities had suggested an inaccurate passenger manifest and suspected drug use by the crew may have contributed to the disaster.

By Monday afternoon, the vessel had been found on the seabed in search operations carried out by private company VEHSI in collaboration with ExxonMobil Guyana and local fishermen, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, said on social media.

Search teams, assisted by private energy sector vessels and divers, had expanded their search area to 1,040 square kilometers.

The vessel's captain and at least one other crew member are currently in police custody after testing positive for marijuana, officials said.

The prime minister said the government launched an urgent and comprehensive probe, concentrating on the accuracy of the manifest, cargo loading, compliance with safety rules and the conduct of the captain and crew before sailing, among other issues.

"Let me be absolutely clear: Where negligence, misconduct or criminal wrongdoing is established, those responsible will face the full force of the law," he said. "There will be no exceptions and no tolerance for actions that placed innocent lives at risk."

President Irfaan Ali traveled to the northern town of Mabaruma to meet with survivors, those who remain hospitalized and families.

"It was a deeply emotional experience. I listened to their stories, shared in their pain and anxiety, and assured them that every practical measure would be taken to provide the support and assistance they need," he said.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said he was devastated by what he described as the country's worst marine disaster in decades and by the latest developments in the investigation.

Edghill acknowledged that officials don't know how many people were aboard the ferry because the manifest list is not accurate, calling that "a criminal action".

Boats and ferries are commonly used across Guyana, a heavily forested country with scant road systems in its interior. Many people choose ferries because cargo rates are lower than airfreight charged by domestic airlines serving those areas.

Several passengers said on social media that water had been seeping into the cargo area as the MV Barima limped along the North Atlantic coast on its now ill-fated voyage to Port Kaituma.

The vessel, built more than 80 years ago, was last dry docked for major repairs in 2024 and was due for additional major repairs in October.

AGENCIES VIA XINHUA