Kaieteur News- A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has accused the government of controlling the narrative surrounding the MV Barima tragedy and silencing survivors who could speak independently about what happened aboard the vessel.

Member of Parliament Nima Flue-Bess told the media that the 18th July sinking — which occurred roughly 10 nautical miles off the Essequibo coast as the ferry travelled from Georgetown to Port Kaituma in Region One — is one of the gravest maritime disasters in the country’s history.

The vessel was 87 years old, and an estimated 179 people were aboard, far more than the 133 listed on the official manifest. The tragedy claimed 73 lives, with 76 people rescued and approximately 30 still missing, making it the deadliest maritime disaster in Guyana’s history.