The capsizing of the MV Barima off Guyana’s northwest coast has become one of the country’s worst maritime disasters in decades, leaving families anxiously awaiting news of missing loved ones while exposing troubling questions about the safety and oversight of the nation’s ageing ferry fleet.

The vessel, carrying 116 passengers and 17 crew members from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, capsized near Iron Punt off the Pomeroon River late Saturday night after distress signals were issued, triggering a massive search-and-rescue operation. As authorities continue efforts to account for everyone aboard, the tragedy has ignited calls for full transparency over the ferry’s maintenance history, operational safety, previous repairs and the government’s continued reliance on ageing vessels.

What began as a desperate rescue mission has rapidly evolved into a national demand for accountability, with growing concerns that the disaster may have been preventable.