MV Barima ferry captain and two crew charged with murder after 73 killed

The captain and two crew members of the capsized Guyana ferry MV Barima appeared in a Georgetown court on murder charges, more than a week after 73 people died.

MV Barima captain and two crew remanded on murder charges after Guyana ferry disaster

The captain and two crew members of the MV Barima, the passenger ferry that capsized in Guyana on July 18, were charged with murder on Tuesday, internazionale.it reports. The disaster killed 73 people and left 30 others still missing.

Captain Kevin Price, 40, crew member Rondell Dwayne Roberts, 42, and crew member Delon Granderson, 33, appeared before a Georgetown court on the murder charges, police said. The three were not required to enter pleas and were remanded to prison. The case was adjourned to August 3.

Reuters was unable to immediately contact the defendants or their representatives for comment.

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

The disaster has prompted a wide-ranging investigation into ferry services run by the Transport and Harbours Department, which falls under the Ministry of Public Works. President Irfaan Ali has announced a commission of inquiry into the accident.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips stated after the sinking that two crew members, including the captain, had tested positive for marijuana. Phillips also said many of those on board had not been listed on the vessel's passenger manifest. The ship, however, had been deemed seaworthy and had kept up with its maintenance schedule, he added.

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

Source: Google News GY — Georgetown