Guyanese authorities announced on July 19, 2026, that the captain of the sunken MV Barima ferry tested positive for cannabis.
An unmanifested number of passengers has severely complicated ongoing search and rescue efforts off the Essequibo Region.
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The vessel was carrying 17 crew members from Port Georgetown to Port Kaituma when it sank.
Two females have been confirmed dead, and more than 66 individuals remain unaccounted for as of Sunday evening.
Rescuers discovered that the number of passengers aboard far exceeded the official manifest of 116 people.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips confirmed the health condition of the crew following initial medical evaluations after they were brought to shore.
"Rescued crew members tested positive for cannabis during medical examinations conducted by healthcare personnel," said Prime Minister Mark Phillips.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill expressed strong condemnation regarding the crew's condition and noted that the inaccurate passenger list hampers rescue operations.
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"We have a zero tolerance for members of the crew drinking or smoking while at work, and for us to have positive tests from the captain.
I can understand a sailor, but not a captain.
It's a serious people's lives are at risk, and those matters will be dealt with," said Public Works Minister Juan Edghill.
The minister urged families to contact authorities to help establish a precise count of those who were on board the vessel prior to its departure.
