Murder charges for captain and crew after Guyana ferry disaster kills 73

The captain and two crew members of the MV Barima, which capsized on July 18, appeared in a Georgetown court on murder charges. At least 73 people died and 30 remain missing.

Captain and two crew members face murder charges over MV Barima sinking

The captain and two crew members of a Guyanese passenger ferry that capsized last week have been charged with murder, kelo.com reports, citing Reuters. The charges came more than a week after the MV Barima sank on July 18, killing 73 people and leaving 30 others still unaccounted for.

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

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

Prime Minister Mark Phillips stated after the accident that two crew members, including the captain, had tested positive for marijuana. He also noted that many of those on board had not been listed on the vessel's passenger manifest. The ship had nonetheless been deemed seaworthy and was current on its maintenance schedule, Phillips added.

The disaster has triggered a broad investigation into Guyana's 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.

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