Tragedy at Sea: 27 Dead, 83 Missing After Ferry Capsizes Off Guyana’s Atlantic Coast
Authorities said rescue teams managed to pull dozens of survivors from the sea, many clinging to debris and life jackets, but scores remain unaccounted for as darkness hampered operations.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Anneth Chepng’etich
A passenger ferry carrying more than 170 people capsized off the northern coast of Guyana, leaving at least 27 people dead and 83 others missing in one of the deadliest maritime disasters in the South American country’s recent history.
The vessel was sailing along Guyana’s Atlantic coastline when it overturned, throwing passengers into rough waters. Authorities said rescue teams managed to pull dozens of survivors from the sea, many clinging to debris and life jackets, but scores remain unaccounted for as darkness hampered operations.
The Guyana Defence Force, the Coast Guard, and teams of local fishermen have been deployed in a massive joint search and rescue operation that has continued through the night. Helicopters and patrol boats are scanning a wide area of coastline where currents are believed to have carried survivors and bodies.
“We remain committed to finding everyone who is still missing and providing support to the affected families,” a senior government official said in a briefing in Georgetown. “Our priority right now is rescue and recovery.”
Officials have not released the name of the ferry or its exact route, but said it was operating a regular coastal service used by hundreds of residents who rely on ferries to travel between riverine and coastal communities.
The government has announced investigations into the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports from maritime authorities point to two possible factors: rough sea conditions and possible overloading. Investigators are examining whether the vessel exceeded its certified passenger capacity and whether all passengers had been provided with life-saving equipment before departure.
Survivors told local media that the sea became suddenly choppy and the ferry tilted sharply to one side before capsizing. Panic broke out as water flooded the lower deck.
President Irfaan Ali’s administration has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and pledged full support to rescue efforts, including medical care for survivors and assistance for families waiting at ports for news of their loved ones.
Guyana’s Maritime Administration Department has issued a fresh warning to all ferry operators to strictly adhere to safety regulations, including observing passenger limits, conducting pre-departure safety checks, and ensuring adequate supply of life jackets and life rafts.
Ferry accidents, while rare in Guyana, have raised renewed concerns about enforcement of maritime safety standards across the Caribbean region, where many communities depend on water transport.
Rescue operations are expected to continue for the next 72 hours, which officials describe as the critical window for finding survivors.
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