The death toll from the ferry disaster off the coast of Guyana has risen to 41 after rescuers recovered 14 more bodies, as search operations continue in the area.
The Guyanese government said on Tuesday that 77 people have been rescued so far following the incident, which occurred late on Saturday when the ferry capsized with 179 people on board.
Authorities fear more victims may still be trapped or missing, prompting an extensive search and recovery mission involving multiple rescue teams.
Preliminary investigations suggest the tragedy may have been caused by an inaccurate passenger manifest as well as suspected drug use by members of the ferry crew, although inquiries are still ongoing.
To support the operation, the government has deployed 16 vessels to the wreck site, while French and local divers continue searching the waters in an effort to locate the remaining missing passengers.
The ferry disaster has shocked the nation, with authorities pledging to determine the exact cause of the incident and ensure those responsible are held accountable if any wrongdoing is uncovered.
