At least 41 dead, dozens still missing after ferry capsizes off coast of Guyana

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Or sign-in if you have an account.Guyana's President Irfaan Ali, wearing red cap at right, and military staff hold a meeting with survivors and relatives of those missing since the capsizing of a ferry, during the search and recovery operation by the waterfront in Charity, Guyana, on July 21, 2026. Photo by Handout/NCN Guyana/AFP via Getty ImagesGEORGETOWN, Guyana — At least 41 people died after a ferry capsized off the coast of Guyana over the weekend, the government said Tuesday.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERSEnjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. 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Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountThe MV Barima was traveling from the capital Georgetown to Port Kaituma in Guyana’s inland Essequibo region when it flipped over on Saturday night.A desperate search for survivors has been underway since early Sunday, with 77 people rescued so far and dozens more missing, according to authorities.A government report released Tuesday revised the death toll from 27 to 41.Get a dash of perspective along with the trending news of the day in a very readable format.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of NP Posted will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again“A total of 41 bodies have now been recovered,” it stated.“The first recovery for the day was made at 10:15 am (1415GMT), and 14 bodies have been retrieved as of 1 pm” Tuesday, it added.There had earlier been confusion over how many were involved in the tragedy due to an inaccurate passenger manifest which listed 133 people aboard, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said.But on Tuesday, Prime Minister Mark Phillips said he was confident that 179 people had been on board when the accident occurred.Two crew members aboard the aging ferry tested positive for marijuana after the incident, he told reporters Sunday, adding that an investigation was underway.The ship began its journey in mid-afternoon and a distress call was received about eight hours later.The ferry was built in 1939, according to the shipping website VesselFinder.Boats typically travel by sea before reaching a river to arrive at Port Kaituma, which is located in the depths of a dense rainforest.Guyana, a small English-speaking country at the northeast corner of South America, is locked in a territorial dispute with neighbouring Venezuela over the oil-rich Essequibo region.Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. 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