Guyana ferry disaster leaves 27 dead as authorities launch investigation

A massive search-and-rescue operation continues off the coast of Guyana following the capsize of a passenger ferry late on Saturday. As of Monday, authorities have confirmed 27 deaths, with 83 people still missing. The disaster unfolded in the North Atlantic approximately seven miles from the coast.

The MV Barima, a 40-metre vessel constructed in 1939, departed Georgetown on Saturday afternoon bound for the village of Port Kaituma. A distress call was received at 23:01 local time. While initial reports cited 133 individuals on board based on the ship's manifest, Prime Minister Mark Phillips stated on Monday that the government is now confident there were 179 people on the vessel. The discrepancy between the manifest and the actual number of people on board has significantly hampered rescue efforts.

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Investigation and Allegations

An urgent criminal investigation involving the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, and the Maritime Administration Department is currently underway. Public Works Minister Juan Edghill confirmed that the official passenger manifest was found to be inaccurate, complicating efforts to track those missing.

Scrutiny has intensified regarding the vessel's crew. Minister Edghill stated that the captain and at least one other crew member have been taken into police custody after testing positive for cannabis. Addressing the findings, Edghill said:

"We have zero tolerance for members of the crew drinking or smoking while at work. And for us to have positive tests from the captain... this is serious,"

Juan Edghill, Public Works Minister, via BBC News

Prime Minister Phillips has vowed that:

"Let me be absolutely clear: where negligence, misconduct or criminal wrongdoing is established, those responsible will face the full force of the law."

Mark Phillips, Prime Minister of Guyana, via Aljazeera

Regarding the vessel's status, officials noted that while the ship was due for dry docking later this year, it underwent maintenance in 2024. The ferry was reportedly carrying a cargo weight of 268 tons, below its 284-ton capacity, and was equipped with 250 life jackets, six inflatable life rafts, and two rigid life rafts.

Rescue and Recovery Efforts

The initial response was hindered by darkness and a lack of vessels equipped with specialized scanners, leaving early rescuers to rely on sight and sound. Efforts have since been expanded to a search area of 1,040 square kilometres. The operation is now supported by vessels from the oil and gas sector, as well as assistance from the French army, which deployed 12 divers, two doctors, and a mechanic from French Guiana.

Survivors have provided harrowing accounts of the sinking. Elena Moonsammy reported that the ferry tilted after being struck by a large wave, causing water to flood the vessel rapidly. She survived by clinging to a box floating amidst the debris. Another survivor, Leon Murray, described searching for family members in the dark after being thrown into the water. Murray reported the loss of his wife, daughter, and four grandchildren.

Dr. Frank Anthony, Guyana’s Minister of Health, confirmed that most survivors were treated for cuts and bruises sustained while clinging to debris. Three individuals remained hospitalised with minor injuries as of Monday.

What to Watch Next

• Search Status: Government divers continue to search the interior of the capsized vessel for remaining victims.
• Legal Proceedings: Police are continuing to hold the captain and crew members for questioning regarding the positive drug tests and manifest errors.

Families seeking information regarding missing loved ones have been directed by the government to contact local authorities immediately.