Guyana is mourning one of its worst ferry disasters after the death toll from the capsized MV Barima rose to 27. Rescue teams are still searching for 83 people who remain missing.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips said crews have rescued 69 people since the ferry overturned on Saturday night. The vessel was travelling from Georgetown to the Essequibo region. Officials now believe 179 people were on board. Earlier reports listed only 133 passengers because the ferry’s manifest was inaccurate.

Authorities have expanded the search area from about 400 to more than 1,070 square kilometres. Local fishermen have joined the operation. The French military also sent 12 divers, two doctors and a mechanic from nearby French Guiana to help with search and rescue efforts. Despite the rising death toll, Phillips said officials remain hopeful that more survivors will be found.

Investigators are also examining what caused the disaster. The prime minister said two crew members tested positive for marijuana after the incident. Officials have not linked those results to the cause of the accident. The ferry left Georgetown on Saturday afternoon, and authorities received a distress call about eight hours later.

The MV Barima was built in 1939 and was travelling to Port Kaituma in Guyana’s inland Essequibo region. The route follows the Atlantic coast before entering river waterways deep into the rainforest. The tragedy has renewed concerns about ferry safety and passenger records. Rescue teams continue to search as families wait for news of their loved ones.