Guyana Prime Minister Mark Anthony Phillips said an independent inquiry will be established "as early as possible" to determine what happened before the MV Barima departed and whether operating procedures were followed. File Photo by Nathalia Aguilar/EPA
July 22 (UPI) -- Guyana will establish an independent commission of inquiry into the country's deadliest maritime disaster after the sinking of the MV Barima left at least 53 people dead.
Meanwhile, authorities continued rescue and recovery operations while investigating discrepancies in the ferry's passenger manifest and possible safety violations.
The MV Barima, an 87-year-old ferry operating between Georgetown and the remote community of Port Kaituma, capsized Saturday night after issuing a distress signal, Authorities described it as the worst maritime disaster in Guyana's history.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips said Wednesday the independent inquiry will be established "as early as possible" to determine what happened before the vessel departed and whether operating procedures were followed.
