Huge search operation after passenger ferry sinks off coast of Guyana

What this source establishes

The Guardian, reporting from Essequibo on 20 July, states two deaths were confirmed and a criminal investigation had begun. It attributes to Minister Juan Edghill that the manifest was wrong, only 35 of 67 rescued appearing on it, and that the vessel was certified for 397 passengers and 284 tonnes of cargo, with 250 lifejackets, two lifeboats and six inflatable rafts. It gives the search area as expanded from 400 to 1,070 sq km, against 1,040 in Reuters. Survivor Adam Matabheek describes the vessel leaning hours beforehand.

Key claims

• [CONTESTED] search area: the Guardian gives expansion from 400 to 1,070 sq km; Reuters of 20 July gives 1,040 sq km; Guyana Chronicle of 25 July describes a further expansion BY 32 square miles
• [CONTESTED] lifesaving equipment: Edghill via the Guardian gives 250 lifejackets, two lifeboats and six inflatable rafts; the Wikipedia article gives 250 life jackets, six inflatable life rafts and two rigid life rafts
• Edghill states the vessel was certified for 397 passengers and 284 tonnes of cargo - matching his 19 July figures and differing from MARAD's 394 passengers and 120-126 tonnes
• Distress call received shortly after 23:00, corroborating the 23:01 timing reported by BBC News
• Survivor Adam Matabheek states the vessel was noticeably leaning several hours before it capsized
• Authorities initially confirmed there was no mechanical problem and that the vessel was operating within legal limits

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