Families in Guyana are demanding answers and expressing growing anger following the capsizing of a state-run ferry that resulted in the deaths of an estimated 100 people. The government faces pressure to explain the circumstances surrounding the nation's worst maritime disaster on record, while officials urge the public to await the conclusion of an official investigation.
As of Wednesday, 76 of the 179 passengers believed to have been aboard the MV Barima survived. Fifty-three bodies have been recovered, and divers continue to search for approximately 50 more. Dozens of Guyanese have gathered in the northern town of Charity, holding out hope that the bodies of their missing loved ones will be found.
"I know my baby is in that boat," said Samantha Ramin, who lost two of her three children. The body of her young daughter has been recovered, but her baby boy remains missing.
The 87-year-old ferry departed the capital, Georgetown, on Saturday bound for Port Kaituma when it began taking on water and capsized in the Atlantic Ocean off the Essequibo coast. While the ship's manifest listed 116 passengers and 17 crew members, authorities estimate that as many as 179 people were on board.
Survivors have reported spending hours in the water and questioned the timeliness of rescue efforts. Some also complained that the vessel was overloaded with cargo, including heavy-duty engines, vehicles, large fuel containers, all-terrain vehicles, and commercial goods. Leon Murray, a survivor, stated that the ferry felt more heavily loaded than on previous journeys.
Survivors also recounted that the ferry experienced engine problems shortly after departure, but the crew reportedly made repairs en route instead of returning to port. Some accused crew members of dismissing concerns that the ferry was taking on water, with one survivor reporting they were told it was "normal."
Government officials have stated that the ferry was within passenger and cargo limits, but acknowledged conflicting accounts are hindering definitive conclusions. Maritime Agency Director Stephen Thomas indicated that a comprehensive investigation into the vessel's loading and the role of supervisory personnel is pending.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips assured that "people will be held responsible based on the outcome, the results and the recommendations of that commission." He added that "where negligence, misconduct or criminal wrongdoing is established, those responsible will face the full force of the law." Police have detained the rescued captain and at least one other crew member who reportedly tested positive for marijuana.
Regarding the continued use of the aging ferry, the government explained it was awaiting the completion of a new pier at Port Kaituma to accommodate a new vessel acquired from India. The MV Barima underwent major repairs in 2024 and was scheduled for further work in October.