The MV Barima ferry sank on the night of July 18-19 northwest of Guyana. The provisional death toll stands at 27 bodies recovered, 83 people missing, and 69 survivors.
Guyanese Prime Minister Mark Phillips detailed the scale of the tragedy at a press conference: "At this stage of operations, the number of people rescued has now risen to 69. A total of 27 bodies have been recovered. The latest report indicates that 83 more people are still missing."
The search continues. "We remain hopeful that there are still people alive," insisted the head of government, specifying that the teams are focusing their efforts on recovering the bodies, formally identifying them and supporting the families.
The shipwreck was accompanied by several troubling irregularities. The vessel was carrying 179 passengers at the time of the disaster, 46 more than the 133 listed on the official manifest. Mark Phillips indicated that this figure was established thanks to information gathered "at the time the ship was being loaded."
The crew's condition is also raising questions. After confusing statements the previous day, the Prime Minister confirmed that the captain had undergone drug tests. "The coast guard has taken the captain into their custody," he stated, without providing further details on the results.
Around fifteen French military divers from French Guiana are participating in the rescue operations, along with equipment provided by oil companies. An official inquiry will determine responsibility and the exact circumstances of the shipwreck, the findings of which will guide any potential legal action.
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