Guyana Ferry Disaster: Death Toll Rises to 27, 83 Still Missing
The death toll from the sinking of the ferry "MV Barima" off Guyana's coast has risen to 27, with 83 people still missing. Of the approximately 180 people on board, 69 have been rescued.
Authorities in Guyana have confirmed that 27 people have died and 83 remain missing after the ferry "MV Barima" sank off the country's coast. The vessel was traveling from the capital Georgetown to Port Kaituma in the Essequibo region near the Venezuelan border when it went down shortly after sending a distress signal.
The ferry was carrying approximately 180 people, of whom 69 were rescued. The cause of the disaster is still unknown, but the captain, who survived, tested positive for marijuana. President Irfaan Ali, in a televised address, promised a full, thorough, and independent investigation.
The ferry was on a planned 24-hour journey when it sent a distress signal about eight hours into the trip. One survivor told local media that they first heard a loud noise, then water began entering the vessel, which listed and started sinking. The wreck was found 15 kilometers off the coast.
