Prime Minister leads massive rescue operation after MV Barima capsizes with 116 aboard

Jul 19, 2026 News

MV Barima

(Kaieteur News) – Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips is leading a high-level Government response after the MV Barima, carrying 116 passengers, capsized off Guyana’s coast near Iron Punt in the vicinity of the Pomeroon River late Saturday night.

In a statement issued early Sunday, the Office of the Prime Minister said the Government has deployed all necessary State and private-sector assets as a full-scale search-and-rescue operation continues.

The statement said the vessel’s crew transmitted distress signals late Saturday night, triggering the immediate activation of emergency response mechanisms. Rescue operations remained ongoing into Sunday morning, with Phillips who is performing the functions of the President receiving continuous updates from response teams.

“The Government’s immediate priority remains the safety and rescue of every passenger and every crew member,” the statement said, adding that further verified information will be released as the operation progresses.

Earlier, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill confirmed that eight persons had been rescued alive.

Edghill said the MV Barima, which operates the Georgetown–North West District route, departed Georgetown at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Saturday bound for Port Kaituma. At around 11:00 p.m., Timehri Air Traffic Control Towers received a distress signal from the vessel, prompting an immediate emergency response.

The Minister also disclosed that the vessel was carrying more than 200 life jackets, raising hopes that additional passengers may yet be found.

The sinking has triggered one of the country’s largest maritime rescue operations in recent years, with emergency responders continuing the race against time to account for all those aboard.

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capsizes, MV Barima, rescue operation

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