MV Barima Tragedy: 57 bodies now recovered, 44 positively identified by family members 

In a release issued after lunch Wednesday, the Government of Guyana said 57 bodies have now been recovered following the MV Barima tragedy.

See below the full release from the Government of Guyana:

The Government of Guyana continues to lead an extensive multi-agency and international response following the sinking of the MV Barima. Support assets from the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and the Brazilian Navy have arrived in Guyana’s waters and are en-route to support the ongoing search, rescue and recovery operations.

Nineteen vessels and two aircraft are now involved in the ongoing operations. Technical teams are conducting detailed assessments of the capsized vessel to develop the safest and most effective plan for righting it, in order to improve access for the on-site diving teams.

As of 13:00 hrs today, an additional four bodies have been recovered. The total number of bodies recovered now stands at 57, of which 44 have been positively identified by family members. So far, 18 of those positively identified have been released to their families.

Regional authorities and the Ministry of Health continue to work with the bereaved families to facilitate arrangements for the release of the bodies for funeral rites and burial.