MV Barima was not overloaded or had mechanical issues – Edghill blames rough Atlantic tides for capsizing

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill has debunked claims being circulated online that last evening’s horrific ferry incident was caused by the overloading of MV Barima, which capsized about seven miles off the Essequibo Coast last night after leaving Port Georgetown with 133 persons on board earlier in the day, heading to Port Kaituma in Region One.

“The boat was not overloaded by passengers or by cargo. There was no engine problem or any mechanical problem,” he contended.

While engaging some family members of persons who were on board the ferry at the Emergency Assistance Centre set up at the Umana Yana in Georgetown, Edghill explained that the tragedy was caused by the rough tides experienced in the Atlantic Ocean at the time. He said the initial information received indicated that a “big wave” hit the vessel, causing it to tilt on its side and subsequently sink.

“Even the survivors who made videos from the hospital, they are telling you what happened – and it had nothing to do with overload and boat taking in water. It had to do with the tide,” the minister posited.

In fact, it was further explained that the MV Barima is licensed to carry 284 tonnes of cargo. The cargo manifest shows that the vessel had 268 tonnes – way below the cargo load limit.

Similarly, MV Barima is licensed to carry 397 passengers, but only had 116 passengers on board along with the 17 crew members.

“The misinformation of overloading as the cause of this incident must be dealt with for what it is: misinformation and…something to create panic and public mischief, and must be debunked in the very strongest storms.”

Nevertheless, the Public Works Minister assured that there will be a full investigation into the incident.

At the time of the incident, there were 116 passengers along with 17 crew members on board. So far, 67 survivors, including 15 children, have been rescued as the joint search and rescue mission continues.