Guyanese authorities have confirmed that 72 people have died after the 87‑year‑old MV Barima ferry capsized off the Essequibo coast on Saturday. The vessel, which departed Georgetown for Port Kaituma, began taking on water and overturned in Atlantic waters, leaving an estimated 179 people aboard. The incident is the worst marine accident on record for Guyana. Of those, 76 survivors were rescued.

The ferry was not insured, and the government has said it will cover funeral expenses. Divers from Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago are working to salvage the partially submerged ship and to inspect it for damage that might explain the cause. Police have opened a criminal investigation and detained three people, including the rescued captain, a crew member who tested positive for marijuana, and the marine superintendent responsible for loading. Survivors have reported spending hours in the water and have questioned why the rescue took so long.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips said the government will deploy all available resources until the operation concludes and will review the findings of a commission of inquiry once it is established. He added that a new ferry purchased from India is awaiting delivery pending completion of a new pier at Port Kaituma, and the MV Barima’s last dry‑dock repairs were completed in 2024 with further work scheduled for October.