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The captain and two crew members of a passenger ferry that sank in Guyana have been accused of homicide, more than a week after the disaster that left 73 dead and 30 missing.
The MV Barima, an 87-year-old vessel, sank on July 18 while covering the route between the capital, Georgetown, and the northwestern town of Port Kaituma.
Captain Kevin Price, 40, and crew members Rondell Dwayne Roberts, 42, and Delon Granderson, 33, appeared before a Georgetown court accused of homicide, police reported.
They were not required to plead guilty or innocent. The three accused seamen were remanded in custody and the hearing was adjourned until August 3.
The tragedy has triggered an investigation into ferry services, operated by the Department of Transport and Harbours of the Guyana Ministry of Public Works.
Guyanese President Irfaan Ali announced the creation of a commission of inquiry into the accident. In addition, authorities reported that 76 passengers and crew members were rescued from the MV Barima, but it is estimated that there were 179 people on board at the time of the sinking.
After the accident, Guyanese Prime Minister Mark Phillips stated that two crew members, including the captain, tested positive for marijuana.
The authority added that many of the people on board were not listed on the vessel's passenger manifest, although it clarified that the vessel had been declared seaworthy and complied with its maintenance schedule.
