In a devastating maritime disaster, Guyana has recovered 27 bodies after the MV Barima ferry capsized while carrying 179 passengers. The incident, described as the worst marine disaster in decades, has raised serious concerns about crew negligence and safety protocols. Authorities have detained several crew members, including the captain, after drug tests revealed violations, including positive results for marijuana.
The ferry was reportedly overloaded, with discrepancies in the passenger manifest indicating that 32 individuals were unaccounted for. This raises alarming questions about the management of passenger safety and the potential for corruption at state-run ferry terminals, where complaints of unrecorded cash transactions have surfaced.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill has condemned the crew’s actions, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for substance abuse while on duty. The investigation aims to uncover the full extent of negligence that led to this tragedy, which has left many families in mourning and others still searching for missing loved ones.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath, Prime Minister Mark Phillips has promised a thorough inquiry to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents. The emotional toll on survivors and families is profound, with President Irfaan Ali pledging support for those affected by this heartbreaking event.
Source: Al Jazeera
