Ferry capsizes off Guyana coast, at least 41 dead

A catastrophic ferry accident off the coast of Guyana has claimed at least 41 lives, with authorities fearing the death toll will climb. The 87-year-old MV Barima, en route from the capital Georgetown to Port Kaituma near the Venezuelan border, capsized Saturday night after taking on water. The exact cause of the sinking remains under investigation.

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I was fighting for my life. The boat sank in minutes, in seconds.

Official reports confirmed 41 bodies recovered as of Tuesday, an increase from the previously reported 27 fatalities. While the ship's manifest listed 116 passengers and 17 crew members, officials estimate that as many as 179 people may have been aboard. The ferry sank rapidly, with one survivor describing the event as happening in "minutes, in seconds."

Helena Moonsammy, who lost four grandchildren in the disaster, recounted the harrowing experience of struggling for survival in the water for nine hours. "I was fighting for my life. The boat sank in minutes, in seconds," she said, recalling how debris fell on her as she tried to save her grandchildren. Alicia Atkinson, 18, described losing her 3-year-old daughter while managing to keep her 10-month-old son afloat for eight hours.

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It is going to be a difficult period for us as a people and as a country. May God take care of Guyana and help us overcome this horrible experience.

Guyana's President Irfaan Ali urged the nation to prepare for a difficult period, stating, "It is going to be a difficult period for us as a people and as a country. May God take care of Guyana and help us overcome this horrible experience." Meanwhile, authorities have detained the rescued captain and at least one other crew member, as both reportedly tested positive for marijuana.

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I miss my daughter.