72 Dead in Guyana Ferry Disaster
Associated Press in Georgetown
Officials in Guyana confirmed 72 deaths in a coastal ferry sinking, with 76 survivors from about 179 aboard. The government estimates up to 100 may have died in the South American nation's worst maritime disaster.
Guyanese officials confirmed that the death toll in the sinking of a state-owned passenger ferry off the country's coast has reached 72, as rescue teams continue to salvage the vessel and search for victims' bodies.
Of the approximately 179 people aboard, 76 were rescued. The government estimates as many as 100 may have died in what is considered the worst maritime disaster in the history of the South American nation.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips said rescue teams have expanded the search area and are determined to find all those aboard so families can bury them with dignity.
"The Government of Guyana continues to stand with all those affected during this difficult time and will ensure every available resource is mobilized until the operation is concluded safely and with reverence," he said.
The 87-year-old ferry MV Barima departed from the capital Georgetown on Saturday, bound for Port Kaituma, when it began taking on water and capsized in Atlantic waters off the Essequibo coast.
Phillips said the ferry was uninsured, and the government is covering funeral costs and related expenses.
Divers from countries including Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago are working to salvage the vessel, hoping to inspect any damage that might shed light on the disaster's cause.
Police have launched a criminal investigation and have detained three people so far, including the captain, who was rescued, and a crew member who authorities said tested positive for cannabis. The third detainee is the maritime director responsible for overseeing cargo loading on the ferry.
The government insists the ship was not overloaded with people or cargo, but survivors told reporters they believe it was overcrowded. The passenger manifest lists 116 passengers and 17 crew, but authorities believe as many as 179 people were aboard.
Increasing numbers of Guyanese are questioning why rescue efforts were so slow, with some survivors telling the AP they spent hours in the water.
Phillips urged patience and said officials are awaiting the outcome of the investigation before establishing a formal commission of inquiry.
When asked why an 87-year-old ferry was still in service, the government said it had purchased a new vessel from India in recent months to replace the MV Barima but was awaiting completion of a new dock at Port Kaituma. The MV Barima last went into dry dock in 2024 for major repairs and was scheduled for further maintenance in October.
