Guyana recovers 27 bodies after ferry disaster as crew faces scrutiny
Guyanese authorities have recovered 27 bodies from the capsized ferry, the country's worst marine disaster in decades. Crew members have been detained after testing positive for drugs.
Ferry Disaster in Guyana
Authorities in Guyana have announced the recovery of 27 bodies from a ferry that capsized off the country's coast with 179 people on board. The MV Barima issued a distress call on Saturday night after overturning while traveling from the capital, Georgetown, to Port Kaituma in the northwest.
As of Monday, officials reported that 69 people had been rescued, while 83 remain missing. Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill described the sinking as the country's worst marine disaster in decades.
Investigation and Crew Detentions
Prime Minister Mark Phillips has launched an investigation into potential negligence by the ferry's crew leading up to the accident. While the MV Barima was initially thought to have carried 116 passengers and 17 crew members, 32 rescued individuals were not recorded on the ferry's manifest, putting the potential victim count much higher.
Police announced that the ferry's captain and at least one other crew member were taken into custody after testing positive for marijuana. "We have zero tolerance for crew members drinking or smoking while at work. And for us to have positive tests from the captain, this is serious," Edghill said.
Passengers had complained for years that officials at state-run ferry terminals sold seats for cash without recording the true number of passengers in the manifest, which Edghill called "a criminal action."
President's Visit
President Irfaan Ali visited survivors and their families in the hospital. "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.
