GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The number of confirmed deaths from the capsizing of a Guyanese government ferry has climbed to 72, authorities announced Thursday, as an international team of divers and rescue workers struggled to bring the partially sunken ship to the surface.
Of the roughly 179 people believed to have been on board, 76 were pulled to safety. Government officials estimate the total death count could reach 100, which would make this the most devastating maritime disaster ever recorded in Guyana’s history.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips announced late Thursday that search crews have expanded the area they are combing through and are committed to locating everyone who was aboard the vessel so their families can give them a proper burial.
“The government of Guyana continues to stand in solidarity with all those affected during this difficult time and will ensure that every available resource is deployed until the operation is brought to a safe and dignified conclusion,” Phillips stated.
The MV Barima, an 87-year-old ferry, left the capital city of Georgetown on Saturday bound for Port Kaituma. During the voyage, the vessel began taking on water and eventually capsized in Atlantic waters near the Essequibo coast.
Phillips confirmed that the ferry carried no insurance and that the government is covering funeral costs and other related expenses for victims.
Divers from Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, and other nations are involved in the salvage effort. Officials hope that once the vessel is inspected, it may reveal damage that could help explain what caused the tragedy.
Law enforcement has opened a criminal investigation into the capsizing and has detained three individuals so far. Those detained include the captain, who survived the disaster, as well as a crew member who authorities say tested positive for marijuana. Also taken into custody is the marine superintendent who was responsible for supervising the loading of the ferry.
While the government maintains the vessel was carrying fewer passengers and less cargo than its maximum capacity, survivors who spoke with reporters said they believe the ferry was overloaded at the time it went down.
The ship’s official passenger manifest recorded 116 passengers and 17 crew members, though authorities now believe as many as 179 people were actually on board.
Frustration is mounting among Guyanese citizens over how long it took for rescuers to reach those in the water. Some survivors told The Associated Press that they were left treading water for hours before help arrived. Phillips has urged the public to be patient and said officials are waiting for the investigation to conclude before drawing any conclusions. The results will be reviewed by a commission of inquiry that has not yet been formed.
Questions have also been raised about why an 87-year-old vessel was still in operation. The government explained that a newer ship had been acquired from India in recent months to replace the MV Barima, but that a new pier at Port Kaituma — needed to accommodate the replacement vessel — had not yet been completed.
The MV Barima was last taken out of service in 2024 for significant repairs and had been scheduled to undergo additional maintenance work in October.
