Sixty-nine passengers and crew members have been rescued, 27 bodies recovered, and 83 persons remain to be found as search and recovery operations continue following the MV Barima tragedy.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips provided the update on Monday during a press conference, where he said rescue efforts had continued throughout the night and were reinforced at first light.
“At first light, thirteen assets were deployed to augment the rescue operations that had continued throughout the night in search of the MV Barima passengers and crew,” the Prime Minister said.
He noted that debris was first spotted at sea at approximately 09:26hrs by a pilot vessel. Shortly after, the GDFS Shahoud identified a substantial debris field about 2.5 nautical miles off the coast of Devonshire Castle Flats.
The body of a female was recovered off the coast at Moruca at about 10:35hrs. By 13:49hrs, teams led by the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, along with the Maritime Administration Department, had recovered eight additional bodies, bringing the total at that stage to 10.
The Government later confirmed that the MV Barima’s location was positively identified through what it described as “aggressive and coordinated efforts” by responding agencies and stakeholders.
The vessel’s location was initially reported by fisherman Haresh Singh, who had also assisted in rescue operations the previous day. Support from local fisherfolk, ExxonMobil Guyana, VESHI, and Sealand Survey’s Gilligan Island survey vessel helped confirm the exact position of the vessel.
The vessel was found resting on the seabed close to the initial distress point communicated by the Air Traffic Control tower, about nine miles offshore Devonshire Castle Flats.
The Prime Minister said France, through its Armed Forces, has deployed 15 divers to support local dive teams at the confirmed vessel site. Additional search and dive capabilities are also expected from Trinidad and Tobago.
The Ministry of Health and the Guyana Police Force have established joint protocols for the processing, transport and storage of the deceased. Family members are expected to be invited to undertake identification procedures at the Suddie Hospital.
The Government extended gratitude to all stakeholders assisting in the rescue and recovery efforts, while confirming that the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre remains operational. Rescue and recovery efforts are continuing.
