Guyana has recovered 27 bodies after a boat accident as crew members are being examined | Transport News

Authorities have arrested the ship’s crew after drug tests revealed violations of the law in Guyana’s deadliest maritime disaster in years.

Officials in Guyana say they have found 27 bodies a ship that capsized along the coast of the country with 179 people.

The ferry MV Barima issued a call on Saturday night, after it capsized while transporting passengers from the capital Georgetown to Port Kaituma in Guyana’s northwest.

Officials said Monday that 69 people had been rescued, while 83 were missing. Human Services Minister Juan Edghill described the sinking as the country’s worst maritime disaster in decades.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips has launched an inquiry into possible negligence by the ship’s crew following the accident.

Officials said that although the MV Barima was originally carrying 116 people and 17 crew members, the 32 people who were rescued from the accident were not listed on the boat’s manifest, which made the number of victims of the accident very high.

Police also announced that the boat’s driver and at least one crew member were arrested after testing positive for marijuana.

“We do not tolerate our crew members drinking or smoking while at work. And for us to be tested by the captain, this is difficult,” said Edghill.

Passengers have complained for years that authorities sell seats to raise money without recording the number of passengers in their show, which Edghill called “a crime”.

President Irfaan Ali visited the survivors and their families in the hospital.

I listened to their stories, shared their pain and concerns, and assured them that every possible step would be taken to provide them with the help and support they needed.