Guyana ferry capsizing death toll rises to 72 as search continues

The confirmed death toll from the recent capsizing of a state ferry off Guyana's coast has risen to 72, with more bodies recovered as a multinational team struggles to salvage the partially submerged vessel. Of the estimated 179 people aboard, 76 were rescued. Prime Minister Mark Phillips said late Thursday that crews have widened the search area and are determined to find all those who were aboard so loved ones can bury them with dignity.

The 87-year-old MV Barima departed the capital, Georgetown, on Saturday and was headed to Port Kaituma when it began taking on water and capsized in Atlantic waters off the Essequibo coast. Phillips said the ferry was not insured, and the government is paying for funerals and other related expenses. Divers from countries including Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago are trying to salvage the vessel, with officials hoping to inspect it for any possible damage that could shed light on what happened.

Police have launched a criminal investigation and detained three people so far, including the rescued captain and a crew member who the authorities say tested positive for marijuana. Also detained is the marine superintendent responsible for overseeing the loading of the ferry. The government maintains it was under capacity in both people and cargo, but survivors have told reporters that they believe the vessel was overloaded. The ship's manifest listed 116 passengers and 17 crew, but authorities believe as many as 179 people were aboard.

A growing number of Guyanese are questioning why it took so long to rescue people, with some survivors telling the Associated Press that they spent hours in the water. Phillips has asked for patience and said officials are awaiting the conclusion of an investigation. Its findings will be reviewed by a commission of inquiry, which has not yet been established. Asked why an 87-year-old ferry was still in service, the government said it had acquired a new vessel from India in recent months to replace the MV Barima, but was waiting on the completion of a new pier at Port Kaituma needed to accommodate it. The MV Barima was last dry docked in 2024 for major repairs and was scheduled for additional work in October.