CHARITY, Guyana (AP) — A tragic maritime disaster occurred over the weekend when the MV Barima ferry capsized off the Essequibo coast in Guyana, carrying as many as 179 people. Among the survivors, Helena Moonsammy recounted her harrowing experience, revealing that she lost four of her grandchildren during the chaotic incident. She described the ferry sinking rapidly, stating, "I was fighting for my life. The boat sunk in minutes, seconds.” As boxes tumbled over her while she attempted to save her grandchildren, she urged them to cling to anything and prayed throughout the night while enduring nine hours in the water.
So far, at least 69 individuals have been rescued, while recovery efforts have resulted in the discovery of 27 bodies, including four children, as confirmed by Prime Minister Mark Phillips. He also warned that the death toll is likely to increase significantly, as authorities initially underestimated the number of passengers aboard, with the ship’s manifest listing only 116 passengers and 17 crew members.
The MV Barima, an 87-year-old ferry, began taking on water during its journey from Georgetown, the capital, to Port Kaituma in northwestern Guyana, near the Venezuelan border. In light of the tragedy, President Irfaan Ali addressed the nation, urging citizens to brace themselves for difficult times ahead. “May God watch over Guyana and bring us through this horrible experience,” he stated.
Alicia Atkinson, an 18-year-old survivor, also shared her painful story, revealing that her 3-year-old daughter is still missing. However, she managed to save her 10-month-old son, clinging to debris in the ocean for approximately eight hours. "I ended up in the water and was hustling to come up for air, but my daughter just rushed out of my hand and disappeared,” she lamented. Atkinson and other relatives of the missing have been gathering at a hospital in Charity, hoping to identify their loved ones amidst the tragedy.
Following the incident, officials confirmed that the ferry's captain and at least one crew member tested positive for marijuana and are currently in police custody as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. The situation has prompted neighboring nations to offer assistance by dispatching boats, spotter planes, and diving teams from French Guiana. As rescue operations transition to recovery efforts, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill announced the suspension of all personnel involved with the management and loading of the MV Barima due to suspicions of illegal additional loading of passengers and cargo.
Long-standing concerns regarding ticket clerks selling seats unofficially for cash have resurfaced, with reports indicating this rampant practice at state-run ferry terminals has endured for several decades. To make matters worse, the MV Barima had been recently dry docked and overhauled in 2024, with major repairs originally scheduled for October.
