Guyanese authorities have confirmed that two people have died and at least 70 others remain missing after the passenger ferry MV Barima capsized while traveling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, prompting a massive search-and-rescue operation and a government investigation into the tragedy.
Speaking at a Sunday evening news conference, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said rescue teams were continuing to search the area after recovering a second body—a woman—late Sunday.
“As of six o’clock… we only have two persons confirmed dead,” Edghill said. “The search and rescue operation continues.”
Officials said at least 67 people had been rescued by Sunday evening, but efforts to determine how many people were actually aboard the vessel have been complicated by an inaccurate passenger manifest.
Edghill said authorities discovered that several rescued passengers were not listed on the ferry’s official manifest and urged families to report missing relatives to help establish the true number of people on board.
“Since we have this compromised position of the manifest not being a true reflection of the occupants on board… please engage us so we’ll be able to have a good grasp of who we are looking for,” he said.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips, who joined the briefing, said President Irfaan Ali was returning to Guyana from Canada Sunday night as the government intensified rescue efforts and launched a comprehensive investigation.
Phillips said authorities also found that two rescued crew members tested positive for cannabis during medical examinations.
“These are deeply concerning and shocking developments,” he said.
The investigation will involve the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force, Maritime Administration Department and technical maritime experts. Officials will examine the accuracy of the passenger manifest, passenger and cargo loading procedures, compliance with maritime safety regulations, and the conduct of the captain and crew before and during the voyage.
“Where negligence, misconduct, or criminal wrongdoing is established, those responsible will face the full force of the law,” Phillips said. “There will be no exemptions and no tolerance for actions that place innocent lives at risk.”
Edghill said authorities believe the inaccurate manifest significantly hindered rescue operations. The vessel’s official records listed 116 passengers and 17 crew members, but officials now say they do not know how many people were actually aboard.
He described the discrepancies as “criminal,” saying the apparent attempt to carry unregistered passengers for additional revenue had complicated efforts to account for the missing.
The minister also confirmed that random drug and alcohol testing had been conducted on crew members, revealing that the captain tested positive for drugs.
“This is serious. People’s lives are at risk and those matters will be dealt with,” he said.
Health officials said 50 rescued passengers were taken to Charity Hospital, where four required additional medical treatment. Another 17 survivors were transported to Lima Hospital by private rescue boats. Medical teams remain on standby as rescue efforts continue.
Survivors described chaotic scenes as the ferry began taking on water Saturday night.
One passenger said he was resting in a hammock when he heard a loud noise and saw water rushing into the vessel before it began sinking. He survived by clinging to floating debris.
Another survivor, Devon Gaskin, told local media he escaped the sinking ferry by jumping into rough waters and holding onto a floating gas cylinder until rescuers arrived shortly after 5 a.m. Sunday.
Among those still searching for loved ones is Eve Jerome, who said her two children—12-year-old Alliya Gonsalves and three-year-old Jerome Jacobs—remain missing.
Jerome said she was traveling with the children to Mabaruma when the ferry began taking on water.
“People started raising alarms that water was entering the boat, but the captain kept telling us that everything was normal,” she said through tears. “My babies are gone and left me. I feel they are dead. Divers are searching, and I keep praying for my children.”
The Guyana Coast Guard is leading the search with support from the Guyana Defence Force, private vessels, divers and aerial surveillance teams. Edghill said regional and international partners have also offered assistance.
“We will spare no effort until every possible avenue has been exhausted,” Phillips said.
The tragedy has drawn condolences from across the region and beyond. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) expressed solidarity with Guyana, praising rescue workers and private vessel operators who joined the overnight operation. The European Union and the United States also extended condolences and support as the search continues.
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