MV Barima Tragedy: Third body recovered

A third body has been recovered from the MV Barima tragedy, as search and rescue efforts continue for passengers who remain unaccounted for. None of the bodies recovered so far have been identified.

Meanwhile, the team responsible for the loading, dispatch, and overall management of the MV Barima has been suspended as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

In a Facebook post, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said the suspension is intended to safeguard the integrity of the investigation by preventing any potential tampering with evidence or interference in the inquiry.

The passenger and cargo ferry capsized approximately seven miles offshore near the mouth of the Pomeroon River on Saturday night while en route from Georgetown to the North West District.

Authorities say 67 people have been rescued, while three bodies have now been recovered. Search and rescue operations continued overnight, with the Guyana Defence Force, the Coast Guard, private vessels, and local fisherfolk combing the area. Guyana has also received offers of assistance from regional and international partners.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips said rescue teams have been working continuously since the distress signal was received shortly after 11:00 p.m. on Saturday.

The search has, however, become significantly more complicated following the discovery of major discrepancies in the vessel’s passenger manifest.

Edghill revealed that officials initially believed there were 116 passengers and 17 crew members on board, based on the official manifest. However, investigators later determined that only 35 of the 67 rescued individuals were listed, meaning 32 survivors had not been officially recorded as passengers before the ferry departed Georgetown.

The discrepancies have left investigators unable to determine exactly how many people were on board when the MV Barima capsized, complicating efforts to account for all passengers.