27 Bodies Recovered After Guyana Ferry Capsizes, Dozens Still Missing

21/07/2026

27 Bodies Recovered After Guyana Ferry Capsizes, Dozens Still Missing

GEORGETOWN, Jul 21: Authorities in Guyana said 27 bodies have been recovered from a ferry that capsized off the country’s coast over the weekend, with dozens of passengers still missing.

The ferry MV Barima was travelling from the capital Georgetown to the northwestern village of Port Kaituma when it overturned with 179 people on board.

Guyana’s National Communications Network reported that 69 people had been rescued, while 83 others remain unaccounted for as search and recovery operations continue.

Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar said the vessel was located on the seabed, with rescue teams assisted by private energy-sector vessels and divers. The search area has been expanded to around 1,040 square kilometres.

Authorities said the ferry’s captain and at least one other crew member are in police custody after testing positive for marijuana as part of the ongoing investigation.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips has ordered an inquiry into possible institutional failures linked to the disaster, promising legal action against anyone found responsible for negligence or misconduct.

Search teams continue efforts to locate missing passengers while investigators work to determine the cause of the deadly ferry accident.