An “outraged” Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill this evening shockingly told the nation that authorities cannot confirm how many persons were on the MV Barima when it sunk last night as some of the persons rescued are not on the official manifest that was provided.
While earlier in the day Edghill had said that 116 passengers and 17 crew members were on board, from all indications there were more persons on the boat than previously thought.
Edghill said only two bodies have been recovered thus far.
The minister also said that the captain of the vessel has been tested and was found to be under the influence of cannabis. He described the actions of officials as being “criminal” adding that investigation will be launched. The captain is now in the custody of the police.
Edghill said that since the manifest is “not being the true reflection of the occupants on board” members of the public who know they have relatives who were on the boat should engage authorities. Out of the 67 persons rescued only 35 are on the manifest.
Kiskadee Watch had been told during the day by survivors that there had been consumption of alcohol by the crew during the trip.
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