Regional, int’l support pours in following MV Barima tragedy

Jul 20, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – Regional bodies and international partners have expressed condolences and support to Guyana following the capsising of the MV Barima ferry which sank on Saturday evening about seven-miles off the coast with an unknown number of passengers.

On Sunday evening, Guyanese government officials revealed that the number of persons onboard at the time of the incident may not be the previously reported figure of 133 (116 passengers and 17 crew members), after it was disclosed that 32 of the 67 persons rescued were not listed on the vessel’s official manifest.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in a statement said it is deeply saddened by the incident. The regional body said it stands in solidarity with the families and communities that are being impacted by the unfolding disaster.

CARICOM said it continues to closely follow the ongoing search and rescue operation to account for the passengers and crew.

“We extend our prayers and support to the families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. CARICOM pays tribute to the courage, dedication and selfless efforts of the rescue teams and all who are responding in the aftermath of the incident, led by relevant arms of the Government of Guyana, and including private vessel operators, who mobilized overnight in challenging conditions to save lives,” it stated.

Meanwhile, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew and Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar also extended condolences to Guyana.

The regional leaders expressed their solidarity with the families of those unaccounted for and commended the search and rescue team for their brave efforts.

For her part, Persad-Bissessar noted, “In this regard, air and naval assets and human resources from the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force are lending support to recovery efforts.”

The CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) also expressed solidarity with Guyana, praising those involved in the search and rescue operation. The organisation added that it remains ready to support Guyana in the days ahead.

“We are grateful for those who have been accounted for to date, while holding in our thoughts the families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones,” CPSO said.

The United States Embassy in Guyana expressed sadness over the incident and commended those involved in rescue efforts. “We honor the courage of every rescuer who answered the call in the dark hours of the night and who continue their mission today. We pray for the safe recovery of all those still missing,” it said.

Meanwhile, the High Commission of Canada said it is deeply concerned by reports that the MV Barima tragedy. It also commended the dedication, professionalism, and bravery of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), maritime authorities, emergency responders, medical personnel, and others who engaged in the ongoing search and rescue operations.

“Our thoughts are with those affected, their families, and communities anxiously awaiting news. We stand in solidarity with the Government and people of Guyana during this difficult time and remain hopeful for the safe recovery of everyone involved,” the Canadian High Commission said.

For their part, the British High Commission said, “We are deeply saddened by the news of the capsizing of the MV Barima. Our thoughts are with all those affected, including the passengers and crew, and their families and loved ones. We recognise and commend the dedication and courage of the emergency services, maritime authorities and all those involved in the ongoing search and rescue efforts. The UK stands with Guyana at this difficult time.”

Moreover, the Chinese Embassy in Guyana said it is closely following the search and rescue operation and extended sympathy and hope that rescue operations would be successful. “China stands ready to provide assistance within its capacity in light of Guyana’s needs,” it further stated.

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CARICOM, manifest, MV Barima, tragedy

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