Guyana ferry disaster: families demand answers as around 100 feared dead

What the report says

Al Jazeera reports that the feared death toll from Guyana’s MV Barima ferry disaster has risen to about 100, as relatives press authorities for answers over the country’s deadliest maritime incident in decades. Officials said 76 people survived out of an estimated 179 on board, while 53 bodies had been recovered by Tuesday as divers continued searching off the Essequibo coast. Families have gathered in Charity, in northern Guyana, awaiting news of those still missing.

The ferry, described by Al Jazeera as 87 years old, departed Georgetown on Saturday for Port Kaituma before taking on water and capsizing. Its official manifest listed 133 people, but authorities now believe the actual number aboard may have been far higher. Survivors have alleged the vessel was overloaded with passengers and heavy cargo, including vehicles, engines, fuel containers and commercial goods, and some said they spent hours in the water before being rescued.

Al Jazeera says passengers also alleged the ferry developed engine problems soon after departure and that the crew tried to repair it at sea rather than return to port. Government officials have said the vessel was within passenger and cargo limits, while also acknowledging that competing accounts require a full inquiry into loading, supervision and crew conduct.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips pledged that anyone found responsible for negligence or criminal wrongdoing would face consequences. Police have detained the rescued captain and at least one crew member, both of whom reportedly tested positive for marijuana. Officials said a replacement ferry bought from India was awaiting completion of a pier at Port Kaituma, while the MV Barima had undergone major repairs in 2024 and had more maintenance planned for October.