Guyana Recovers 27 Bodies, Rescues 69 from Capsized MV Barima Ferry; 83 Still Missing

Authorities in Guyana recovered 27 bodies from the MV Barima ferry that capsized off the country’s coast. The vessel carried 179 people when it overturned while traveling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma in the northwest, Al Jazeera reported. The MV Barima issued a distress call on Saturday night.

Officials said on Monday that 69 people had been rescued while 83 remained missing. Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill described the sinking as Guyana’s worst marine disaster in decades. Prime Minister Mark Phillips launched an investigation into potential negligence by the ferry’s crew.

The MV Barima was initially thought to have carried 116 passengers and 17 crew members. Thirty-two people rescued from the disaster were not recorded in the ferry’s manifest. Police took the ferry’s captain and at least one other crew member into custody after they tested positive for marijuana.

“We have a 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,” Edghill said. ” President Irfaan Ali visited survivors and their families in hospital.

“It was a deeply emotional experience. I listened to their stories, shared in their pain and anxiety, and assured them that every practical measure would be taken to provide the support and assistance they need,” he said.