…“criminal action” – Edghill in outrage as manifest irregularities now hamper rescue mission

The Guyana Government has launched a comprehensive investigation after it was revealed that the captain of MV Barima, which capsized off the Essequibo Coast on Saturday night with over 100 passengers onboard, along with at least two crew members were tested positive for cannabis. This comes as authorities are also grappling with an inaccurate passenger manifest. Initially, it was reported that there were 116 passengers along with 17 crew members on board the vessel, which capsized shortly before midnight on Saturday. Up to press time on Sunday, 67 persons – 41 males, 11 females and 15 children (six boys and 9 girls) – had been rescued. Authorities also confirmed the recovery of two bodies, including a female who was found washed up amongst the mangrove on the Essequibo Coast shoreline. But during a press briefing on Sunday evening, Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, revealed the troubling discoveries made during rescue efforts.

“As rescue efforts progressed today [Sunday], authorities discovered that a number of individuals who were rescued were not listed on the vessel’s official manifest. Additionally, two rescued crew members tested positive for cannabis during medical examinations conducted by healthcare personnel,” PM Phillips stated. According to the PM, who was leading the Government’s emergency response efforts, these “deeply concerning and shocking developments” has prompted an immediate investigation. “The Government has ordered an urgent and comprehensive investigation involving members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and other technical maritime experts,” he stated. Phillips told reporters at the press briefing that the team has already commenced the probe, which will examine all of the facts and circumstances surrounding this tragedy, including the accuracy of the passenger manifest, the loading of passengers and cargo, compliance with maritime safety regulations and the conduct of the captain and crew before and during the voyage.