Captain and two crew charged with murder over Guyana ferry disaster that killed 73

The captain and two crew members of the MV Barima, which capsized on July 18, appeared in a Georgetown court on murder charges. Seventy-three people died and 30 remain missing.

Murder charges filed over MV Barima capsizing in Guyana

The captain and two crew members of a Guyanese passenger ferry that capsized last month have been charged with murder, gmanetwork.com reports, more than a week after the disaster claimed 73 lives and left 30 people still unaccounted for.

Captain Kevin Price, 40, crew member Rondell Dwayne Roberts, 42, and Delon Granderson, 33, appeared before a Georgetown court on Tuesday. Police confirmed the charges. The three were not required to enter pleas, were remanded to prison, and the case was adjourned to August 3. Reuters could not immediately reach the defendants or their legal representatives.

The MV Barima, an 87-year-old vessel, sank on July 18 while travelling from Georgetown to the northwestern village of Port Kaituma. Authorities believe 179 people were on board at the time; 76 passengers and crew were rescued.

The disaster triggered a broad investigation into ferry services operated by the Transport and Harbours Department under the Ministry of Public Works. President Irfaan Ali has announced a commission of inquiry into the accident.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips disclosed after the sinking that two crew members, including the captain, had tested positive for marijuana, and that many of those on board had not appeared on the vessel's passenger manifest. Phillips noted, however, that the MV Barima had been deemed seaworthy and had kept up with its maintenance schedule.

Opposition lawmakers have called for the resignations of Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar over the handling of the ferry services.

Source: Google News GY — Crime