41 Dead in Guyana Ferry Disaster; Evidence of Passenger List Manipulation and Drug Use

The death toll from the recent ferry capsizing off the coast of Guyana in South America has risen to 41.

The Guyanese government announced on July 21 (local time) that 14 additional bodies were recovered, bringing the total number of deaths to 41, with 77 passengers rescued so far.

As of the previous day, the death toll stood at 27.

With the 72-hour window considered the golden time for survival nearing its end since the accident, the number of fatalities is expected to increase further.

The ferry, the MV Barima, capsized in the North Atlantic Ocean, 11.2 km away from the capital, Georgetown, on the night of July 18 while carrying 179 passengers and crew members.

Although the passenger list initially stated that 133 people were on board, a government investigation confirmed that 179 people were actually on the vessel.

Authorities have classified this tragedy as a man-made disaster and are expanding their investigation, as serious negligence by the shipping company has been confirmed, including the manipulation of the passenger list and positive marijuana test results for two crew members, including the captain, who were rescued.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips stated in a press conference held on the night of July 19, "If negligence, dereliction of duty, or criminal acts are proven, those responsible will face the full force of the law."

The vessel involved in the accident was built in 1939 and was traveling from the capital, Georgetown, to Port Kaituma in Essequibo, a region rich in oil resources.

Search authorities have deployed 16 vessels and diving teams near the accident site to conduct rescue and search operations.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.