Guyanese authorities raised the death toll to 27 this Monday following the shipwreck of the MV Barima ferry, which occurred on Saturday off the country’s Atlantic coast. In addition, they confirmed the rescue of 69 survivors, while the search continues for another 83 people who remain missing after the vessel sank.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips reported that the death toll was updated after reviewing the actual number of passengers traveling on board. As he explained, the vessel was carrying 179 people, and not 133 as the passenger manifest initially indicated.
“Our focus remains on finding people. We still have hope,” Phillips declared while offering a new report on the rescue operations, which continue by air and sea.
The ferry had departed on Saturday afternoon from Georgetown bound for Port Kaituma, a town located in the interior of the Essequibo region. Several hours after beginning the journey, it issued an emergency signal and shortly after disappeared off the North Atlantic coast, which triggered a large-scale deployment of rescue agencies.
Lifeboats float in the area where search and rescue operations continue following the sinking of the ferry MV Barima off the coast of Guyana.
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The Maritime Rescue Coordination Center reported that the location where the MV Barima sank was found thanks to information provided by a fisherman. Based on that data, the teams deployed to the area were able to identify the exact site of the shipwreck and begin efforts to recover the vessel.
The Minister of Aviation, Deodat Indar, confirmed that a “positive identification” of the sinking site has already been made and noted that “the full extraction” of the ferry is underway. He also indicated that France has sent specialized personnel to assist with the search and recovery efforts.
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The operation brings together air and maritime units of the Guyanese government, members of the Guyana Defence Force, local fishermen, and French rescuers. In addition to divers, the contingent sent by France includes doctors and technical personnel to reinforce efforts at the accident site.
The authorities expanded the search area to try to locate the people who are still missing. Among the rescued survivors are several minors, who were treated by medical teams deployed on board the emergency vessels before being transferred to healthcare centers.
Emergency personnel are working on the operation deployed following the sinking of the ferry MV Barima.
The cause of the shipwreck remains under investigation. The Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, explained that the main hypothesis being handled by the authorities is that “a huge wave caused the boat to capsize”, although he stressed that the investigation remains open and that all circumstances of the accident are still being analyzed.
Edghill specified that the ferry issued a distress call about eight hours after it had begun its journey, which allowed the national response protocol to be activated immediately.
The official also indicated that the MV Barima had 250 life jackets and six inflatable rafts, in accordance with the current safety requirements for this type of vessel.
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Built in 1939, the ferry covered one of the most used maritime routes in the country to connect Georgetown with the communities of Region One, including Port Kaituma. Due to the reduced cost of the service, the vessel was frequently used by both passengers and merchants transporting goods between both areas.
The tragedy sparked reactions of solidarity in several Caribbean countries. The Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, expressed that he is “deeply saddened” by the shipwreck and stated that his “thoughts and prayers are with all the people affected,” in addition to acknowledging the work of the rescue teams.
A man is comforted during a meeting between the President of Guyana, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and relatives of the victims of the MV Barima ferry shipwreck, in Mabaruma.
The Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Terrance Drew, also expressed his country’s support for Guyana and noted that the Caribbean “is one family.” “We share your pain and hope for the best possible outcome for all those who are still missing,” he stated.
