Guyana Ferry Disaster: Death Toll Rises to 27 Amid Crew Drug Test Probe

Cattouma. The death toll from the passenger ferry capsizing off the coast of Guyana has reached 27. An investigation has been launched into the crew members after it was confirmed that they violated drug testing regulations.

According to Guyanese officials, 179 people were on board the ferry named 'MV Barima'. The ferry, which was en route from the capital Georgetown to Port Kaituma in the northwestern region, sent an emergency message before capsizing on Saturday night.

As of Monday, 69 people have been rescued, while 83 are still missing, officials said. Public Works Minister Juan Edghill stated that this incident is the biggest maritime transport accident in Guyana in many decades.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips has initiated an investigation into whether there was negligence by the crew before the accident.

Although initial reports stated that the ferry had 116 passengers and 17 crew members, it was revealed that the names of 32 people rescued from the accident were not listed on the passenger list. This indicates that the actual number of passengers may be significantly higher than official records, and the number of those affected by the accident could be larger than estimated.

Meanwhile, the police have taken the ferry captain and at least one other crew member into custody. Police stated that drug tests confirmed they had consumed marijuana.

Minister Edghill said, 'We have a zero-tolerance policy on crew members consuming alcohol or drugs while on duty. The captain testing positive is an extremely serious matter.'

Passengers have been complaining for years that employees at the government ferry terminal have been selling tickets for cash without recording the actual number of passengers. Minister Edghill has termed such actions as 'criminal activity'.

President Irfaan Ali visited the hospital to meet with the rescued passengers and the families of those missing.

He said, 'It was an extremely sad experience. I listened to their pain and anxiety, shared in it, and assured them that all possible help and assistance would be provided as needed.' Al Jazeera