At Least 27 Dead in Guyana Ferry Capsizing; 83 Missing

A devastating ferry disaster in Guyana has claimed the lives of at least 27 people, with Prime Minister Mark Phillips confirming the grim toll. The capsizing of the "MV Barima" on Saturday evening has left an additional 83 individuals missing, as a large-scale search and rescue operation is underway.

Rescue efforts are intensifying, with the government dedicating all available resources to find survivors. The search area has been significantly expanded, and local fishing boats have been enlisted to aid in the operation. Earlier reports indicated ten deaths, but the number has tragically risen as the scale of the incident becomes clearer.

Authorities are working to reconcile passenger lists with the reality of those on board, as the official manifest for the "MV Barima" may not accurately reflect the total number of people. Prime Minister Phillips urged families with missing relatives to contact the authorities to help establish a precise count of the missing.

While the cause of the accident remains under investigation, initial reports suggest that two crew members tested positive for marijuana use. The ferry, built in 1939 and measuring 40 meters in length, departed Saturday afternoon and sent an emergency call approximately eight hours later. The government has pledged to account for every person who was on board the vessel.

“

The government continues to deploy all available resources to find and account for every single person who was on board.