Guyana: Three people are now confirmed dead following the capsizing of the MV Barima ferry approximately seven miles offshore near the mouth of the Pomeroon River on Saturday night.
The vessel was en route from Georgetown to the North West District when it overturned, prompting a distress signal shortly after 11:00 p.m.. Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill has characterized the incident as criminal after confirming that the captain and the first engineer tested positive for narcotics.
Search and rescue operations, involving the Guyana Defence Force, the Coast Guard, private vessels, and local fisherfolk, have successfully rescued 67 people, including 41 men, 11 women, and 15 children. However, the operation has been severely complicated by the discovery of significant discrepancies in the official passenger manifest.
Although the manifest initially listed 116 passengers and 17 crew members, investigators found that 32 of the rescued survivors were not recorded on the list. This revelation means authorities are currently unable to determine exactly how many people were aboard the vessel when it capsized.
The captain, who tested positive for cannabis, and the first engineer are currently in police custody. Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has announced an urgent investigation into the accuracy of the manifest, the loading of cargo, and the conduct of the crew. He emphasized that there will be no tolerance for negligence or misconduct that placed innocent lives at risk.
To ensure a fair inquiry and prevent the tampering of evidence, the team responsible for the loading, dispatch, and management of the MV Barima has been suspended.
As the search continues, authorities have extracted video footage from the Kingston Goods Wharf to gain insights into the ferry’s departure. While international and regional partners have offered assistance, the chances of finding more survivors are diminishing as no new rescues were made overnight. In the meantime, Emergency Family Assistance Centres remain operational in Georgetown, Port Kaituma, and Mabaruma to provide support and counseling to the families of those affected.
