GEORGETOWN, Guyana – In a shocking turn of events, police in Guyana have filed murder charges against the captain and two crew members of a state ferry that capsized, resulting in the deaths of over 70 people. The incident occurred on July 18, when the ferry, MV Barima, departed the capital, Georgetown, bound for the northern town of Port Kaituma near Venezuela.
According to authorities, 179 people were on board the ferry when it capsized in Atlantic waters. Despite the efforts of rescue teams, only 77 people were rescued, with 30 passengers still missing. The government has announced the creation of a five-person commission to investigate the sinking of the 87-year-old ferry.
The accused crew members, Captain Kevin Price, 40, chief mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts, 42, and cargo superintendent Delon Granderson, 33, appeared in court on Tuesday morning but were not required to enter pleas. No attorneys were present for them.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips told Parliament that while 77 people were rescued, one of those passengers recently died. During his speech, opposition lawmakers pounded desks and heckled legislators as they called for the resignation of Works Minister Juan Edghill and Junior Minister Indar Persaud, holding them responsible for the disaster.
The government has said the ferry was still in operation because work is ongoing to build a pier at Port Kaituma to accommodate a new $12.7 million vessel acquired from India in recent months to replace the MV Barima. Some survivors have come forward with allegations that the ferry was leaking and overcrowded with passengers and cargo.
The government has asked the commission to examine these allegations. Phillips, the prime minister, said it’s likely that the vessel, which now lies 50 feet underwater, will remain there and not be salvaged.
A second hearing is set for August 3 at a court in the western Essequibo region near the sunken wreckage. The investigation into the sinking of the MV Barima is expected to be a lengthy and complex process, with many questions still unanswered.
In the wake of this tragedy, the people of Guyana are left to grapple with the devastating consequences of this maritime disaster. As the investigation unfolds, it is clear that there will be many challenges ahead in determining the cause of the capsizing and ensuring that justice is served.
