GEORGETOWN : The ferry was travelling from the capital, Georgetown, to the village of Port Kaituma in the country’s northwest when it overturned on Saturday evening.

According to the government’s National Telecommunications Network, 69 people have been rescued, while 83 remain missing.

Guyana’s Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, said the vessel was located on the seabed by noon on Monday during search operations involving a private company, ExxonMobil and local fishermen.

Search efforts have since expanded to cover an area of about 1,040 square kilometres, with ships and divers from the private energy sector assisting rescue teams.

Police have detained the ferry’s captain and a crew member after tests allegedly showed they had used drugs, officials said.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips vowed that anyone found responsible for negligence or misconduct would be held accountable.

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