A major rescue operation is taking place off the coast of Guyana after a passenger ferry capsized on Saturday night. Rescue teams have saved 69 people so far, but 27 bodies have been recovered, and 83 people are still missing.
The vessel, named the MV Barima, was traveling from the capital city of Georgetown to Port Kaituma when a large wave hit it. Water quickly flooded into the ferry, causing it to overturn in seconds. Survivors clung to floating debris in the sea for hours before help arrived. Small private boats and military divers from nearby French Guiana joined the search effort to help save people from the ocean.
Government officials said that 179 people were on board the ferry, which was far more than the official list stated. Terminal workers had allegedly sold extra tickets for cash without recording passengers' names.
Police have detained the ferry captain and a crew member after both tested positive for drugs. Authorities said they have zero tolerance for crew members using drugs or alcohol on duty and promised a full investigation into the disaster.