Around 100 dead in Guyana ferry disaster; families demand accountability
Approximately 100 people are believed to have died after the MV Barima ferry capsized off Guyana's coast. Survivors and relatives are demanding answers, alleging overloading and crew negligence.
Pressure is mounting on Guyanese authorities after the weekend ferry disaster that left around 100 people feared dead. Officials said on Tuesday that 76 of the roughly 179 people believed to have been aboard survived, while 53 bodies have been recovered. Divers continue searching for the remaining missing.
Families have gathered in the northern town of Charity, waiting for news of loved ones still unaccounted for. Samantha Ramin, who lost two of her three children, said her young daughter’s body has been found but her baby boy is still missing. “I know he is down there,” she said.
The 87-year-old vessel, MV Barima, left Georgetown for Port Kaituma on Saturday but began taking on water and capsized off the Essequibo coast. Although its manifest listed 133 people, authorities now believe as many as 179 were aboard.
Anger has grown over the length of time it took to rescue survivors, some of whom spent hours stranded in the water. Passengers have alleged the ferry was dangerously overloaded with people and heavy cargo, including engines, vehicles, fuel containers and commercial goods. One survivor said the boat was more crowded than on any of his previous trips, with cargo packed tightly below deck.
Survivors also allege the ferry suffered engine trouble shortly after departure, but the crew attempted repairs at sea rather than turning back. Concerns about water entering the vessel were reportedly dismissed by crew members as routine.
Government officials say the ferry was actually under its capacity limits for both passengers and cargo, but acknowledge that conflicting accounts make it too early to draw firm conclusions. The head of the Maritime Administration Department said a full investigation is needed to establish facts such as how the vessel was loaded and whether supervisory staff acted properly.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips said Tuesday that the government has nothing to hide and pledged that anyone found responsible – including for negligence or criminal wrongdoing – will face legal consequences. Police have already detained the rescued captain and at least one other crew member; both reportedly tested positive for marijuana.
Asked why such an old vessel remained in service, officials said a US$12.7 million replacement ferry purchased from India was awaiting the completion of a special pier at Port Kaituma. The MV Barima last underwent major repairs in 2024 and had additional maintenance scheduled for October.
