Guyana ferry disaster: families demand answers as around 100 feared dead | News
Death Toll Rises in Guyana Ferry Disaster
Charity, Guyana — July 23, 2026 — The death toll from the recent ferry disaster off the coast of Guyana is expected to reach around 100, as officials continue their search for survivors. Of the approximately 179 individuals believed to have been aboard the MV Barima, 76 have been confirmed as survivors and 53 bodies have been recovered, according to authorities.
Families in the northern town of Charity are anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones still unaccounted for. Samantha Ramin, a grieving mother, lost two of her three children in the incident. “I know my baby is in that boat,” she said, adding that while the body of her young daughter has been found, her infant son remains missing.
The 87-year-old vessel sank during its journey from Georgetown to Port Kaituma on Saturday after taking on water and capsizing near the Essequibo coast. Although the ferry’s manifest listed 133 passengers, officials now believe that as many as 179 individuals were on board at the time of the incident.
Concerns are mounting regarding the delayed rescue efforts. Survivors reported spending hours stranded in the water, prompting criticism of the response timeline. There are allegations that the ferry was overloaded with passengers and cargo, which included engines, vehicles, and commercial goods. One survivor described the conditions as more crowded than on previous voyages.
Some survivors report that the ferry experienced engine trouble shortly after departure. Instead of returning to port, they claimed the crew attempted repairs at sea, dismissing concerns about water entering the vessel as routine.
Government officials assert that the ferry was operating within capacity limits for both passengers and cargo, but acknowledge the need for further investigation due to conflicting accounts. The head of the Maritime Administration Department emphasized the importance of determining how the vessel was loaded and whether supervisory protocols were followed.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips assured the public on Tuesday that the government would hold anyone responsible for negligence or criminal wrongdoing accountable. Police have already detained the ferry’s captain and at least one other crew member, both of whom reportedly tested positive for marijuana.
Officials explained that the aging vessel remained operational while awaiting a new $12.7 million replacement ferry, which was purchased from India. That replacement is pending the completion of a special pier at Port Kaituma. The MV Barima underwent major repairs in 2024, with additional maintenance scheduled for October.
