Guyanese authorities confirm death of 72 people in sinking of coastal ferry
Summary
A ferry capsized off the coast of Guyana, killing 72 people with 76 rescued out of about 179 aboard. Rescue teams and divers from several countries are working to recover the ferry and investigate the cause of the accident.Key Facts
- The ferry MV Barima, 87 years old, sank near Essequibo coast while traveling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma.
- Official death toll is 72, with 76 survivors; up to 100 deaths are possible, making it Guyana’s worst maritime disaster.
- The ferry was not insured; the government is covering funeral costs and related expenses.
- Three people detained, including the captain, a crew member who tested positive for marijuana, and the marine superintendent.
- Authorities say the ferry was not overloaded, but survivors claim otherwise; the vessel’s manifest listed fewer passengers than estimated aboard.
- Rescue efforts involve divers from Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago searching for bodies and inspecting the ferry.
- Government delayed replacing the old ferry because a new pier at Port Kaituma is not yet finished.
- A criminal investigation is underway, and a commission of inquiry will review the findings once the investigation concludes.
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