Guyana: Dozens feared dead after ferry capsizes

A ferry carrying over 100 people capsized off the coast of Guyana, leaving dozens feared dead, according to local authorities. The incident occurred near the northeastern tip of South America on Saturday afternoon, as the MV Barima departed from Georgetown, the capital city, bound for Port Kaituma. At least 133 individuals were aboard the vessel, including passengers and crew members. The disaster unfolded after the ferry reportedly sent a distress signal to air traffic control around 11 p.m. local time. Rescue efforts were immediately initiated, with teams working tirelessly to locate and save survivors. As of Sunday, 67 people had been recovered, comprising 41 men, 11 women, six boys, and nine girls. Prime Minister Mark Phillips confirmed these figures in a statement, emphasizing that the captain and first mate, both of whom were among the rescued, have returned to the scene to aid ongoing operations. Despite the rescue efforts, no new survivors have been found since Sunday afternoon. Public Works Minister Juan Edghill reiterated that search and rescue operations remain active, urging families of the missing to stay informed and engaged with authorities. He noted that the initial passenger list provided by the ferry did not accurately reflect the number of people onboard, complicating the identification process for rescuers. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident. Prime Minister Phillips revealed that two crew members tested positive for cannabis, raising questions about potential impairment during the voyage. Additionally, the vessel had undergone maintenance in 2024 and was scheduled for an inspection later this year. According to Phillips, the ferry reported a cargo weight of 268 tons, slightly below its maximum capacity of 284 tons. The ship was licensed to transport more than 300 passengers and was equipped with 250 life jackets, six inflatable life rafts, and two rigid life rafts. The incident has sparked concerns about maritime safety and regulatory oversight. Phillips emphasized that any evidence of negligence, misconduct, or criminal behavior will result in legal consequences. Families of those affected have been contacted, and efforts continue to provide updates and support to those impacted. As the search continues, the situation remains fluid. While 67 survivors have been accounted for, the exact number of fatalities remains unclear due to the incomplete passenger list. Authorities stress that they are committed to finding all missing individuals and ensuring transparency throughout the process. The community awaits further developments as the government works to address the crisis and prevent similar incidents in the future.