The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on Friday demanded the immediate release of critical records relating to the MV Barima disaster, arguing that the Government is focusing public attention on allegations of drug use by crew members while withholding evidence that could explain why the state-owned ferry sank.

“The drug narrative must not distract from the truth,” the opposition coalition declared during a press conference, insisting that allegations against individual crew members do not answer the fundamental questions surrounding one of Guyana’s deadliest maritime disasters.

More than two weeks after the July 18 MV Barima tragedy, the wreck remains on the seabed, intensifying public outrage and raising further questions about the Government’s handling of the disaster. Families of the victims, maritime stakeholders and Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed have repeatedly called for the vessel to be recovered, arguing that it may contain crucial evidence needed to establish exactly what caused one of Guyana’s deadliest maritime disasters.