Search expands after Guyana ferry disaster

Guyanese authorities have expanded search and recovery operations off the Essequibo Coast after two more bodies were recovered from the site of the MV Barima disaster, increasing the confirmed death toll to 72 as efforts continue to locate all remaining victims.

Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips, providing an update late Thursday, said 65 of the recovered victims have been identified by relatives. He said aerial searches covering approximately 2,100 square kilometres remain in progress while technical teams and divers continue working under difficult conditions to gain access to the sunken ferry.

Officials said strong ocean currents have complicated underwater operations, making diver safety the foremost concern. Additional specialised equipment has been deployed as crews attempt to reposition the vessel before entering the wreck.

Phillips also appealed to the public to avoid flying unauthorised drones near the search area, warning that such devices present a significant risk to aircraft supporting the operation.

The Prime Minister said the government remained committed to supporting grieving families and would continue using every available resource until the recovery mission reaches a safe and dignified conclusion. He noted that government ministers joined relatives in Regions One, Three, Four and Six on Thursday to attend the funerals of several victims as the country observes a period of national mourning.

President Irfaan Ali reaffirmed that recovery efforts would continue without interruption despite difficult tidal conditions. He said authorities planned to use 1,500 tonnes of buoyancy airbags in an attempt to refloat the MV Barima, enabling divers to enter the vessel and maximise the recovery of victims.

“Right now, the operation will have started to try to position the wreck so that entry can be made to make as much recovery as we can from within the wreck,” Ali said. He added that helicopters, specialised vessels, advanced technology and additional ground search teams would continue to be deployed because authorities were “racing against time.”

The President assured families that “no stone will be left unturned” and said the government would remain by their side throughout the operation. He also announced a national prayer gathering for victims and their relatives.

Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud said several ministries are coordinating a long term support programme for survivors and bereaved families, including expanded grief and trauma counselling in schools and affected communities.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed renewed calls for Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill to resign, arguing that ministerial accountability was required because the government owned ferry operated under his portfolio. Mohamed also questioned why surviving crew members and a Transport and Harbours Department load supervisor had been arrested while the minister remained in office.

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