Guyana says 27 dead after ferry sinking as crew is investigated

Guyana has recovered 27 bodies after a ferry capsized off its coast, authorities said, as investigators examine whether crew negligence contributed to the disaster. Officials said 69 people were rescued and 83 others remained missing, making the sinking one of the country’s deadliest maritime accidents in decades.

The MV Barima sent a distress call on Saturday night while travelling from Georgetown, the capital, to Port Kaituma in the country’s northwest, according to officials cited by Al Jazeera, The Associated Press and Reuters. Authorities said the ferry had 179 people on board when it overturned.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill described the accident on Monday as Guyana’s worst marine disaster in decades, according to the reports. Rescue and recovery work continued as families waited for news of missing passengers.

Crew conduct under investigation

Prime Minister Mark Phillips has opened an investigation into possible negligence by the crew before the sinking, officials said. Police also said the ferry’s captain and at least one other crew member were detained after testing positive for marijuana.

Edghill said the test results raised serious concerns because Guyana has “zero tolerance” for ferry crew members drinking or smoking while on duty. Authorities did not report any finding on the cause of the capsizing.

The passenger count has also become a focus for investigators. Officials said the ferry was first believed to be carrying 116 passengers and 17 crew members, but 32 rescued people were not listed on the manifest, which pushed the possible toll higher.

Edghill said passengers had complained for years that staff at state-run ferry terminals sold seats for cash without properly recording travelers on manifests. He called that practice “a criminal action,” according to Al Jazeera, AP and Reuters.

President meets survivors

President Irfaan Ali visited survivors and relatives of missing passengers in hospital, officials said. Ali said afterward that he had heard their accounts and shared in their pain and anxiety, while assuring them that the government would take practical steps to provide support.

The ferry had been operating on a route linking the capital with Guyana’s northwest, a region where river and coastal transport are important for travel. Officials have not said when the investigation will be completed or whether additional crew members could face action.

The confirmed death toll stood at 27 on Monday, with the number of missing at 83, according to officials. Authorities said the final count could depend on the continuing recovery effort and efforts to establish who was on board.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.