Death Toll Climbs To 41 From Guyana Boat Tragedy

The Government of Guyana says a total of 41 bodies have so far been recovered following last Saturday’s tragic capsizing of a ferry off the country’s coast. A statement says 14 bodies were retrieved between 10:15am and 1pm on Tuesday. The identification of recovered bodies is currently being undertaken by family members at Suddie Hospital.

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre has confirmed 77 people have now been rescued from the stricken MV Barima, and French and local divers are continuing underwater search and recovery operations at the wreckage site, as dozens remain missing.

The aging ferry was traveling from the capital Georgetown to Guyana’s inland Essequibo region when it overturned.

Guyana’s Prime Minister, Mark Phillips, said he was now “confident” that 179 people were aboard, following uncertainty about the numbers involved in the disaster.