Guyana Ferry Disaster: Search Continues After Deadly Passenger Ferry Capsizes

A large-scale search and recovery operation is underway after the passenger ferry MV Barima capsized off the coast of Guyana, resulting in one of the country’s deadliest maritime disasters in recent years.

The ferry was sailing on a scheduled route between Georgetown and Port Kaituma when it encountered difficulties and overturned. Rescue teams, supported by the Guyana Defence Force, coast guard units and local fishing vessels, immediately launched an extensive operation to locate survivors and recover those still missing.

According to investigators, the ferry was carrying significantly more people than listed on the official passenger manifest. Initial records showed 133 passengers and crew on board, but authorities now believe approximately 179 people were aboard the vessel at the time of the accident.

Many survivors were rescued after spending several hours in the water, while search teams continue working around the clock. Authorities have confirmed multiple fatalities, and the number of victims may increase as recovery efforts continue.

Following the incident, the Guyanese government opened a criminal investigation. Officials have detained the ferry captain and a crew member while investigators examine possible safety violations, passenger registration procedures and the circumstances that led to the sinking.

The tragedy has shocked the nation and raised serious concerns about ferry safety and passenger accountability. Authorities have pledged a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the disaster and to introduce measures aimed at preventing similar accidents in the future.

Search and recovery operations remain ongoing as families continue waiting for news about their loved ones.