Guyana ferry disaster: families demand answers as around 100 feared dead

Guyana's worst maritime disaster in decades has claimed approximately 100 lives after the 87-year-old ferry MV Barima capsized off the Essequibo coast on Saturday. Of the estimated 179 people believed to have been aboard, 76 survived, and 53 bodies have been recovered, with divers still searching for the missing. Families are demanding answers as anger grows over allegations that the ferry was dangerously overloaded with people and cargo, and that rescue efforts were delayed. Survivors also claim the crew attempted at-sea repairs for engine trouble and dismissed concerns about water ingress.

Guyana has recovered 27 bodies from the MV Barima, a ferry that capsized off its coast, in what officials are calling the country's worst marine disaster in decades. The ferry was traveling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma with 179 people on board when it issued a distress call on Saturday night. Sixty-nine people have been rescued, but 83 remain missing. Authorities have detained ferry crew members, including the captain, after drug tests revealed marijuana use, a violation of company policy. An investigation into potential crew negligence has been launched, with concerns raised about unrecorded passengers on the manifest, suggesting the actual number of victims could be higher. President Irfaan Ali visited survivors and their families, promising support.

A ferry, the MV Barima, capsized off Guyana's Essequibo coast late Saturday, with authorities now believing up to 179 people were aboard, exceeding the manifest of 116 passengers and 17 crew. At least 69 people have been rescued, and 27 bodies, including four children, have been recovered, with the death toll expected to rise. A survivor described the sinking as chaotic and rapid, losing four grandchildren in the disaster. An investigation into the 87-year-old ferry's capsizing is underway, with the captain and another crew member testing positive for marijuana and in police custody. Officials suspect illegal loading of undeclared passengers and cargo, a practice long reported at state-run ferry terminals.

Guyana's death toll from the capsizing of the MV Barima ferry has risen to at least 41, with search teams continuing to look for dozens of unaccounted-for individuals. The vessel, carrying 179 people, capsized on Saturday night while traveling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma. Seventy-seven people have been rescued. Authorities are investigating potential contributing factors, including an incomplete passenger manifest and drug use among crew members, with the captain and at least one other crew member taken into custody after testing positive for marijuana. The Minister of Public Works described the incident as the country's worst maritime disaster in decades.

An ageing ferry, the MV Barima, carrying 133 people capsized off the coast of Guyana on Saturday afternoon. The vessel had departed from the capital, Georgetown, for the town of Port Kaituma, located inland in the Essequibo region. Of the 133 individuals on board, 67 have been rescued. Rescue teams are currently searching for the remaining 66 passengers. The ferry was traveling along the Atlantic coast before heading upriver to its destination.

A passenger ferry, the MV Barima, carrying 116 people sank off the coast of Guyana late Saturday. As of Sunday, 67 individuals, including 15 children, have been rescued. A large-scale search and rescue operation is underway for the dozens of missing passengers and crew. Officials are investigating the cause, with preliminary findings suggesting the sinking was related to the tide, not mechanical issues or overloading. The ferry departed Georgetown for Port Kaituma and a distress call was received hours later. The incident is being described as one of Guyana's worst maritime disasters.

A ferry carrying 116 passengers and crew, the MV Barima, capsized off the coast of Guyana near Iron Punt on Saturday night while traveling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma. Rescue operations are currently underway, with authorities reporting that 53 people have been rescued so far. Guyana's Prime Minister Mark Phillips stated that more rescues are expected as the search continues into daylight hours. The operation involves the coastguard and private vessels, and a medical team has been dispatched to the search area. The circumstances leading to the ferry's capsizing are not yet clear.

A ferry, the MV Barima, carrying 116 passengers capsized off the coast of Guyana near Iron Punt while en route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma. A distress call was received at 23:01 local time, initiating a search and rescue operation involving state and private vessels. As of the report, 53 people have been rescued, with the status of the remaining passengers and the expectation of further rescues unclear. Public Works Minister Juan Edghill stated the vessel, built in 1939, was equipped with life jackets and life crafts. Prime Minister Mark Phillips is reportedly leading the government's response to the incident.