Captain, Two Crew Members Charged with Murder Over Deadly MV Barima Ferry Disaster

Captain, Two Crew Members Charged with Murder Over Deadly MV Barima Ferry Disaster

Captain Kevin Price and two members of the MV Barima crew have been charged with murder following the catastrophic sinking of the ferry off Guyana’s coast earlier this month, one of the country’s deadliest maritime disasters.

Price, 40, along with Chief Mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts, 42, and Cargo Superintendent Delon Granderson, 33, appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. They were not required to enter pleas to the indictable charges and were remanded into custody. The matter has been adjourned to August 3.

The charges stem from the July 18 sinking of the 87-year-old MV Barima, which was travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma. Authorities say at least 73 people lost their lives, while around 30 others remain missing. Seventy-six people were rescued from the vessel.

The tragedy has prompted a nationwide investigation into Guyana’s ferry operations. Officials have cited several concerns, including discrepancies in the passenger manifest and reports that some crew members, including Captain Price, tested positive for marijuana following the incident. Survivors have also alleged the ferry was overcrowded and taking on water before it capsized, claims that form part of the ongoing investigation.

President Irfaan Ali has established an independent commission of inquiry to examine the circumstances surrounding the disaster, while opposition figures have called for accountability from senior government officials responsible for the country’s ferry services.

The case is expected to remain under close public scrutiny as investigators work to determine the events that led to one of the worst maritime tragedies in Guyana’s history.

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