Opposition presses for independent probe into MV Barima tragedy

Jul 20, 2026 News

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(Kaieteur News) – Opposition parties have united in a call for a full, independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the capsising of the MV Barima, which had an unknown number of persons onboard.

On Sunday evening, government officials revealed that the number of persons onboard at the time of the incident may not be the previously reported figure of 133, after it was disclosed that 32 of the 67 persons rescued were not listed on the vessel’s official manifest.

With dozens still unaccounted for, political parties We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNCR)/A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and the Alliance for Change (AFC) expressed solidarity with families desperately awaiting news of their loved ones who were onboard the vessel.

The parties urged the government to spare no effort in the ongoing search and rescue operation.

Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed, in a statement, said his thoughts remain with those who are still missing and the brave men and women conducting the search and rescue operation.

“We continue to pray for the safe recovery of those still unaccounted for and for strength and comfort for all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy,” he noted.

Following news of the incident, the opposition leader deployed his own boats and personal resources in an effort to reach survivors and support relief efforts to locate missing passengers and crew members.

The office remains hopeful that every person still unaccounted for will be found safely. “We support the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Coast Guard, emergency responders, volunteers, fishermen and all those risking their lives in the ongoing search and rescue operation,” he said.

WIN Members of Parliament Janelle Sweatnam, Natasha Singh-Lewis, Dawn Hastings, and Tabitha Sarabo-Halley spent several hours at the Umana Yana; one of the centres created for families of those onboard the vessel to visit.

Mohamed criticised the government’s decision to deny his MPs access to the Umana Yana, noting, “This is unacceptable. During a national tragedy, families deserve timely information, compassion and transparency, and not confusion and exclusion.”

He further referenced reports that independent media were removed from the Umana Yana, as well as the Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI), where MV Barima survivors were taken. Mohamed said, “At a time like this, there should be openness and accountability and not restrictions on elected representatives and independent journalists.”

Further, the opposition leader took note of conflicting accounts that have emerged regarding the circumstances that culminated in and after the tragedy. He cited reports from Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill and those of survivors.

The minister, in an update on Sunday, said the vessel was not overloaded, attributing the incident to a large wave. He further stated that the MV Barima was licensed to carry 397 passengers and 284 tonnes of cargo, and that it departed with 133 passengers, according to the official manifest. The minister had also revealed that the vessel departed with approximately 268 tonnes of cargo and was equipped with more than 200 life jackets.

However, Mohamed pointed to the account of survivor Daniel Modeste, along with other passengers and eyewitnesses, who contended that the vessel was overloaded.

“Survivors have also raised concerns that the cargo scales at the stelling were reportedly not functioning, preventing cargo from being properly weighed before departure,” the opposition leader said.

Mohamed noted that these are serious and conflicting accounts that demand answers.

“Every aspect of this tragedy, including the vessel’s loading, cargo weight, passenger manifest, safety equipment, maintenance records, emergency preparedness, and the actions taken before and during the voyage, must be subjected to a full, independent and transparent investigation. The office of the leader of the opposition will continue to monitor this situation closely, advocate for the affected families, and provide updates as verified information becomes available,” it was further noted.

Meanwhile, AFC said it is deeply saddened by the incident and extended its heartfelt thoughts and prayers to all those affected by the distressing incident.

“As search and rescue operations continue, we remain hopeful that every effort will result in the safe recovery of all those who were on board. We pray for the safety of the passengers and crew, for strength and comfort for their families and loved ones, and for the full and speedy recovery of those who may have been injured,” it said.

The party further commended the efforts of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), emergency responders, and medical personnel who are assisting in the ongoing search and rescue operation.

“We urge all Guyanese to keep those affected in their prayers and to allow the rescue teams the space and support they need to carry out this critical mission,” it added.

AFC said that once the immediate emergency has passed, the relevant authorities should conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“AFC stands in solidarity with the families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones and with everyone involved in the rescue efforts. May God grant protection to those still unaccounted for, wisdom and strength to the rescue teams, and comfort to every family during these anxious hours,” it added.

Further, PNCR/APNU also expressed its deepest concern and empathised with the families and loved ones of those unaccounted for.

“We are praying for the safe rescue of all those still unaccounted for and stand in solidarity with every family anxiously awaiting news,” the party added.

The party urged the relevant authorities to mobilise all available resources to support the ongoing search and rescue efforts. “Every possible measure must be taken to save lives and provide timely assistance to those affected. Our thoughts remain with the survivors, the rescue teams, and all those impacted by this heartbreaking incident,” PNCR/APNU said.

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• independent probe, MV Barima, opposition, PNCR

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