Guyana ferry death toll rises as officials say up to 83 passengers still missing
Prime Minister Mark Phillips says the MV Barima carried 179 passengers, far more than the 116 on its manifest, as all loading staff are suspended.
GEORGETOWN, Guyana. Guyanese authorities say search teams may find up to 83 more bodies following the sinking of the MV Barima late on Saturday as it sailed from Georgetown to a jungle community near Venezuela.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips told journalists at a late briefing on Monday that 27 bodies had been recovered by the end of the day, while up to 83 passengers remained unaccounted for as hopes of finding survivors faded.
Manifest figures revised
In a significant development, the government now appears to accept survivors' complaints that the ferry was overloaded with passengers and cargo when it left the capital for Port Kaituma in the northwest.
Phillips set aside earlier official figures of 116 passengers and 17 crew. Officials now believe there were 179 passengers and 18 crew aboard the 87-year-old vessel. So far 69 passengers have been rescued.
"Eighty-three people are deemed missing and still to be found, based on a review of footage as the boat was loading. I am confident that we have narrowed the figure down to 179," he said.
Staff suspended
Suspecting that loading staff may have illegally put extra people and cargo aboard without recording them, Phillips and Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said all staff associated with managing and loading the Barima had been suspended pending a comprehensive probe.
Edghill said the move aimed to "guarantee the absolute integrity of the upcoming inquiry" and prevent tampering with evidence.
President Irfaan Ali warned the nation of a tough period ahead. "Brace yourself for the coming days. It is going to be difficult for all of us," he said in a national address. "May God watch over Guyana and bring us through this horrible experience."
Regional help
Neighbouring countries have sent rescue personnel, including divers from French Guiana and spotter planes and boats from Caricom states, as officials prepare to move from rescue to recovery.
Survivors and relatives have described the vessel as rickety. Phillips said it was dry docked and fully overhauled in 2024 and was due for further maintenance in October.
