Georgetown: The confirmed death toll from the Guyana ferry disaster has risen to 72, as recovery teams continue searching for victims following the capsizing of a state-operated ferry off the country’s coast.
Authorities said 76 people were rescued from the vessel, which was carrying an estimated 179 passengers when it sank. Recovery operations are continuing with the support of a multinational team, which is also working to salvage the partially submerged ferry.
The Guyanese government has warned that up to 100 people may have lost their lives, raising the possibility that the incident could become the deadliest maritime disaster in the country’s history.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips said search crews have expanded the operation to cover a wider area and remain committed to recovering everyone believed to have been on board, allowing families to give their loved ones a proper burial.
The cause of the ferry’s capsizing has not yet been officially determined, and investigations into the tragedy are ongoing.
