Deadly Waves, Missing Passengers, and Tough Questions in Guyana  

Tonight, Belize is joining the rest of the region in mourning with Guyana after a ferry disaster claimed lives and left dozens of families waiting for answers. The MV Barima capsized late Saturday after powerful waves struck the forty-meter vessel, causing it to take on water. More than sixty passengers have been rescued so far, but many others remain missing as search teams continue their desperate work. Authorities are also investigating troubling reports of overcrowding and possible crew misconduct. As Guyana grapples with the tragedy, Belize and other CARICOM nations are offering condolences and support. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the latest.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

In Guyana, search teams are still looking for passengers who remain missing after the MV Barima capsized on Saturday night. More than one hundred and thirty people were reportedly on board when the ferry went down, but so far, only about half have been rescued. In a statement, the Government of Belize offered prayers for the safe return of those still missing and extended condolences to the families already grieving loved ones. Belize’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Gale Miller Garnett, says the tragedy is being felt deeply across CARICOM, where the loss has struck a painful and familiar chord.

 

Gale Miller Garnett, High Commissioner for Belize to Guyana

“ It’s tough because as time passes you realize that it’s not a search and rescue anymore. You’re moving more into a phase of search and recovery.  My feeling is one where Guyana, I am here. We’ve had connections in Belize to Guyana for so many decades. It’s a tragedy that definitely is what is the definition of a tragedy, but it’s also one that hits home because it is essentially your, your own Caribbean people.”

 

The vessel had departed Georgetown bound for Port Kaituma with more than one hundred and thirty passengers and crew aboard and cargo, including vehicles. Among those who survived is Helana Moonsammy, who described clinging to a floating box after being separated from her seven grandchildren, of which only four have been rescued so far.

 

Helena Moonsammy, Survivor

“I’Il try to grab my baby but the box pin down my hand. All that I could do was fight for my life. All the rest, I couldn’t see them, all of it done come down. I try to tug and tug and make way for them. Barely make it out. And then I see a square box and I see another lady fighting so I tell she come hold on here. And that was it. Seven of them I lost. Five girls and two boys.”

 

Guyana has since suspended the entire management team responsible for the MV Barima under the Transport and Harbours Department. Guyanese Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill said the move ensures the integrity of the inquiry into the ferry’s deadly capsizing.

 

Gale Miller Garnett

“The feeling right now is one where it’s almost a feeling of helplessness at this point, but the government. And that’s because of the loss of the individuals. But the government has been doing a lot. The private sector has come in, so it’s public-private partnership where,  I think Trinidad is sending over a coast guard, assistance as well as an airplane that.  Because they don’t, they have not been able to find the vessel.”

 

Wayne Kitts, Survivor

“When all ah we were sleeping. All of a sudden we hear this boat capsize pon one side and me no know if the boxes make one lean over.”

 

Reporter

“Did you have family travelling in board.”

 

Wayne Kitts

“Me and me girl and me daughter, And all two of them gone.”

 

The vessel was found this afternoon, but the probe continues as officials uncovered major discrepancies in the passenger manifest. Investigators are now pursuing possible breaches of safety rules, operational failures, and potential criminal wrongdoing. Britney Gordon for News Five.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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