A ferry disaster off the coast of Guyana has resulted in 53 deaths. Rescue operations continue, with 76 people confirmed rescued so far.
A ferry disaster off the coast of Guyana has resulted in 53 deaths. Rescue operations continue, with 76 people confirmed rescued so far.
A tragic incident unfolded off the coast of Guyana on Saturday night when a passenger ferry capsized, leading to the drowning of 53 individuals, as hopes of finding additional survivors continue to diminish.
According to Guyana’s Prime Minister Mark Phillips, as of 22:00 GMT Tuesday, 76 individuals had been rescued, while numerous others remain unaccounted for. Initial reports indicated that the vessel was carrying 179 people, significantly exceeding the 116 passengers and 17 crew members documented on the ferry’s manifest.
The cause of the ferry’s capsizing, involving the MV Barima, is currently under investigation. Authorities have taken the captain and one crew member into custody after both tested positive for cannabis. Prime Minister Phillips stated, “Where negligence, misconduct or criminal wrongdoing is established, those responsible will face the full force of the law.”
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill expressed outrage during a press conference on Sunday regarding the drug test results. “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,” he said.
The MV Barima departed from Georgetown on Saturday afternoon, traveling to Port Kaituma. The vessel, measuring 40 meters (131 feet) in length, was built in 1939, indicating its age as a potential factor in the incident.
Survivor Elena Moonsammy recounted her harrowing experience, explaining that the ferry listed alarmingly after being struck by a large wave, allowing water to flood in rapidly. She described how the ferry started taking on water within moments.
Having survived by clinging to a floating box amidst wreckage, Moonsammy shared her distressing ordeal of losing her two-year-old child while trying to save a fellow passenger. At least 15 children are included among those who have been rescued.
Small private boats played an essential role in the rescue efforts, successfully retrieving a minimum of 17 survivors from the sea. In support of the search operation, the French army dispatched 12 divers, two doctors, and a mechanic from the nearby French Guiana.
The community is grappling with the aftermath of this disaster as recovery efforts continue amid somber news.
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