Foreign teams join Guyana’s recovery efforts as MV Barima death toll reaches 65
Key Points(5)
- Search, rescue and recovery efforts following the capsizing of the MV Barima have expanded with support from the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and the Brazilian Navy, as authorities continue efforts to recover victims and secure the vessel.
- The foreign teams have joined the Guyana-led operation, assisting with diving missions and other specialized recovery activities at the site of the disaster.
- Authorities said 19 vessels and three aircraft are now involved in the operation.
- Smaller vessels from the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration Department have also been deployed to search inland waterways for any remaining passengers.
- Technical teams are continuing assessments of the overturned vessel to determine the safest method to right the ship and allow divers greater access.
Search, rescue and recovery efforts following the capsizing of the MV Barima have expanded with support from the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and the Brazilian Navy, as authorities continue efforts to recover victims and secure the vessel.
The foreign teams have joined the Guyana-led operation, assisting with diving missions and other specialized recovery activities at the site of the disaster.
Authorities said 19 vessels and three aircraft are now involved in the operation. Smaller vessels from the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration Department have also been deployed to search inland waterways for any remaining passengers.
Technical teams are continuing assessments of the overturned vessel to determine the safest method to right the ship and allow divers greater access. The recovery plan involves repositioning the wreck, attaching maritime salvage airbags to restore buoyancy, and towing the vessel closer to shore for further search and recovery operations.
Three additional bodies were recovered since the previous official update, bringing the number recovered on Wednesday to five and the overall death toll to 65.
Officials said 44 victims have been positively identified by relatives, while 23 bodies have been released to families for burial. The number of survivors remains at 76.
The Ministry of Health and regional authorities continue working with families to identify victims and coordinate the release of remains.
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has declared three days of national mourning in honor of those who died. National flags are being flown at half-mast during the mourning period.
Hundreds of Guyanese gathered Wednesday evening at the Kingston Seawall Bandstand in Georgetown for a National Interfaith Prayer Service to remember victims and offer support to survivors and their families.
The service was attended by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Cabinet ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, religious leaders, members of the security forces, Indigenous leaders and citizens from across the country.
Phillips described the MV Barima sinking as one of the darkest moments in Guyana’s recent history and extended condolences on behalf of President Ali, the government and the people of Guyana.
He assured grieving families that they would not face the aftermath of the tragedy alone and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the ongoing recovery effort.
Phillips also praised the work of the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, Guyana Police Force, medical personnel, divers, local fishermen, volunteers and private sector partners involved in the response.
Additional memorial events are planned, including a night of reflection and prayer in Port Kaituma on Thursday and another in Mabaruma on Friday.
The government said all available resources will continue to be deployed until recovery operations are complete, while assistance remains available to families affected by the tragedy.
