Guyanese officials announced on Monday evening that rescue teams have recovered the bodies of at least 27 individuals, among them four children, following the weekend capsizing of an overloaded ferry off the country’s coast. Authorities cautioned that the fatality count may increase, as dozens remain unaccounted for.
The vessel overturned late Saturday night on its regular run from Georgetown, the capital, to the remote gold‑mining settlement of Port Kaituma in northwest Guyana. Details of the tragedy were not released until Monday, when officials reported that at least 69 survivors had been pulled from the water.
Authorities estimate that the ferry was transporting about 179 people, crew included, yet the official manifest listed only 133 passengers. This discrepancy suggests the vessel was severely overloaded, carrying dozens more than its certified capacity.
The precise cause of the capsizing remains unclear. Several passengers, who were asleep when the accident occurred, told local outlets they had only moments to seize life jackets or grab onto buoyant items such as ice chests, enabling them to stay afloat.
The incident has provoked widespread anger in Guyana, a nation of close to one million people that borders Brazil and Venezuela and is bolstered by oil wealth. Critics have alleged that some travelers were sold tickets without being recorded on the manifest, allowing ferry staff to pocket the revenue illegally.
President Irfaan Ali addressed the nation on Monday evening, saying the tragedy had “pierced the heart of our nation” and pledging a thorough investigation into the cause of the capsizing. Earlier that day, he visited the accident site, meeting with survivors and families of those still missing.
“The families affected, and indeed all Guyanese, deserve answers,” Mr. Ali stated. “They are entitled to know exactly what happened and whether any shortcomings played a role in this heartbreaking loss. We will uncover the truth with transparency, impartiality and accountability.”
Nevertheless, President Ali emphasized that locating survivors remains the highest priority, with government personnel conducting continuous search efforts in one of Guyana’s largest maritime operations. The French government has also contributed a 15‑member dive team from its armed forces stationed in French Guiana to aid the rescue mission.
