Guyana ferry death toll rises to 72 amid effort to pull out vessel

The confirmed death toll from the recent capsising of a state ferry off Guyana’s coast rose to 72, with more bodies recovered as a multinational team struggled to salvage the partially submerged vessel. Of the estimated 179 people aboard, 76 people were rescued. The Government has estimated that 100 may have died in the accident, which would make it the worst marine tragedy on record for the South American nation. Prime Minister Mark Phillips said late Thursday that crews have widened the search area and are determined to find all those who were aboard so loved ones can bury them with dignity. “The Government of Guyana continues to stand in solidarity with all those affected during this difficult time and will ensure that every available resource is deployed until the operation is brought to a safe and dignified conclusion,” he said.

The MV Barima departed the capital, Georgetown, on Saturday and was headed to Port Kaituma when it began taking on water and capsized in Atlantic waters off the Essequibo coast. Phillips said that the ferry was not insured, and that the Government is paying for the funeral and other related expenses.

Death toll rises as international crews try to salvage capsized ferry in Guyana. Divers from countries including Brazil and Trinidad are trying to salvage the vessel, with officials saying they hope to inspect it for any possible damage that could shed light on what happened.