At least 41 people have died after the MV Barima ferry capsized off the coast of Guyana over the weekend, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
The ferry was travelling from the capital, Georgetown, to Port Kaituma in the inland Essequibo region when it overturned on Saturday night.
Government officials said 77 people have been rescued, while search and rescue operations continue for those still missing.
Initial confusion over the number of passengers arose because of an inaccurate passenger manifest listing 133 people. Prime Minister Mark Phillips later said authorities believe 179 people were on board.
Investigators revealed that two crew members tested positive for marijuana following the incident, and a full investigation into the cause of the disaster is underway.
The vessel, built in 1939, reportedly issued a distress call about eight hours after departing.
Guyana, an English-speaking nation in northeastern South America, is also engaged in a long-running territorial dispute with neighboring Venezuela over the oil-rich Essequibo region.
