Captain and Two Crew Charged with Murder After Guyana Ferry Sinks, 73 Dead

The captain and two crew members of the MV Barima, which sank in Guyana on July 18 killing 73 people, have been charged with murder in a Georgetown court.

Captain and crew face murder charges after MV Barima disaster

The captain and two crew members of an overturned passenger ferry in Guyana were charged with murder on Tuesday, more than a week after the disaster that killed 73 people and left 30 others still missing, reuters.com reports.

Rondell Dwayne Roberts, Rondell Granderson and Delon Roberts appeared in a Georgetown court following the sinking of the 87-year-old MV Barima on July 18. The vessel went down near Port Kaituma, in the North West region, while travelling from Georgetown. The case was adjourned until August 3 and all three were remanded to prison. They were not required by law to enter a plea, and their representatives could not be reached for comment.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips said that two crew members, including the captain, had tested positive for cannabis after the accident. He added that many passengers on board were not listed in the passenger manifest, and that the vessel had been certified as seaworthy and had adhered to its scheduled maintenance programme. Authorities believe 179 passengers were aboard when the ferry sank; 76 passengers and crew members were rescued.

President Irfaan Ali has announced an inquiry commission into the accident. The tragedy has also prompted a broader investigation into ferry services operated by the Transport and Harbours Department, under the Ministry of Public Works.

The opposition has called for the resignation of Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar.

Source: Google News GY — Crime