Captain and two crew charged with murder after Guyana ferry sank, killing 73

The captain and two crew members of the MV Barima, which capsized in Guyana on 18 July, have been charged with murder. The vessel sank near Port Kaituma, killing 73 and leaving 30 still missing.

Murder charges filed over Guyana ferry disaster that left 73 dead

The captain and two crew members of an overturned passenger ferry in Guyana have been charged with murder, more than a week after the disaster that killed 73 people and left 30 others still unaccounted for, redlakenationnews.com reports.

The 87-year-old vessel MV Barima sank on 18 July near Port Kaituma, a village in the North West region, while travelling from Georgetown. Police identified the three accused as Rondell Dwayne Roberts, Rondell Granderson and Delon Roberts. All three were charged in a Georgetown court on Tuesday. They were not required by law to enter a plea, and their representatives could not be reached for immediate comment. The case was adjourned until 3 August, and the men were remanded to prison.

Authorities believe 179 passengers were aboard the MV Barima when it sank. A total of 76 passengers and crew members were rescued. Prime Minister Mark Phillips said two crew members, including the captain, tested positive for cannabis following the accident. Phillips also stated that many passengers on board were not listed in the vessel's manifest, and that the ferry had been certified as seaworthy and had followed its scheduled maintenance programme.

The tragedy has triggered a broader 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.

The political fallout has intensified, with the opposition calling for the resignation of Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar.

Source: Google News GY — Crime