SEARCH and recovery operations following the sinking of the MV Barima continued through Thursday night, as specialist teams worked to reposition the wreck to allow divers to safely enter the vessel, while the death toll climbed to 72.
Providing an update, President Dr. Irfaan Ali said efforts to move the vessel were continuing around the clock despite the complexity of the operation.
“Efforts continue into the night as teams work tirelessly to reposition the wreck of the MV Barima so that divers can safely carry out the next phase of the operation,” the President said.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips later confirmed that two additional bodies had been recovered during the day, bringing the total number of bodies recovered since the tragedy to 72.
He said 65 of the recovered victims have now been positively identified by their families.
According to the Prime Minister, a total of 22 assets, comprising 19 vessels and three aircraft, remain deployed in the search and recovery operation. Aerial and marine searches continue across a designated search area spanning some 2,100 square kilometres and extending as far as Waini Point.
Phillips also warned members of the public against operating unauthorised drones within the search area, noting that they pose a serious hazard to aircraft involved in the mission.
“The operation of unauthorized drones within the airspace of the search area is strictly prohibited, as they pose a significant hazard to aircraft conducting critical aerial search operations,” he said.
He reiterated that the Government remains committed to deploying every available resource until the operation is brought to a safe and dignified conclusion.
“The Government of Guyana continues to stand in solidarity with the bereaved families and all those affected during this difficult time and is ensuring that every available resource is deployed until the operation has been brought to a safe and dignified conclusion,” Phillips said.
The MV Barima sank on the night of Saturday, July 18, 2026, while en route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, Region One.
A distress call was received at approximately 11:01 p.m., triggering one of the largest maritime search and rescue operations in Guyana’s history.
Subsequent investigations confirmed that 179 people comprising passengers and crew were aboard the vessel when it capsized. To date, 76 people have been rescued, while recovery efforts continue for those still unaccounted for.
The operation is being led by the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard through the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, with support from the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Fire Service, the French Armed Forces, the Brazilian Navy, the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, private sector partners, fishermen, volunteers and other local, regional and international agencies. An independent Commission of Inquiry is also expected to be established to determine the cause of the tragedy and whether any failures contributed to the disaster.
