MV Barima Disaster... 72 confirmed dead

MV Barima Disaster… 72 confirmed dead

Jul 24, 2026 News

…as search crews race to secure wreck for underwater search
…65 victims formally identified

By Khadidja Ba

(Kaieteur News) – Search and recovery teams have now retrieved a total of 72 bodies following the tragic capsizing of the MV Barima, as multi-agency operations, Leader of the Opposition Azruddin Mohamed, local fishermen, and private boat owners press forward off the coast of Guyana.

While the official death toll stood at 65 during a press briefing at 17:00 hrs. on Wednesday, July 22, overnight rescue efforts yielded five additional recoveries, bringing the total to 70 by Wednesday evening. Operations on Thursday, July 23, resulted in the retrieval of two more bodies.

A policeman transporting the bodies to Parika.

Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips confirmed during an address to the nation on Thursday evening that 65 of the recovered victims have been positively identified by their families.

“Members of the media, fellow Guyanese, while search and recovery operations remain ongoing, technical teams continue to work on repositioning the MV Barima as part of the broader recovery effort,” PM Phillips stated. “Two additional bodies were recovered today, bringing the total number of bodies recovered thus far to 72. 65 of the recovered bodies have been identified by their families.”

Tugs and the Coast Guard are situated in preparation for the massive operation to reposition the MV Barima wreck

Technical crews remain deployed on-site, focusing on securing and repositioning the submerged vessel to facilitate safer, deeper search and retrieval efforts in the coming days.

According to the PM’s press statement, the fleet of 22 assets, including 19 maritime vessels and three aircraft, remains actively engaged in the operation. Aerial units are conducting sweeps across a designated 2,100-square-kilometer search area extending up to Waini Point.

Bodies being transported from Charity to Port Kaituma.

Authorities issued a strict warning to the public regarding aerial safety, unauthorised operation of private drones within the search zone is strictly prohibited, as rogue drones pose a severe hazard to low-flying search aircraft. The PM emphasised the government’s commitment to maintaining full operational deployment until every victim is accounted for, noting that the administration continues to stand in solidarity with the bereaved families to ensure a safe and dignified conclusion to the tragedy.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) continues to provide joint tactical support alongside national, regional, and international security forces. Specialised ranks from the Marine Section, Tactical Services Unit, Criminal Investigation Department, and Regional Police Divisions One and Two have been deployed several miles offshore to conduct intensive water-surface and shoreline patrols near the wreck site.

GPF drone units and marine vessels are operating in direct coordination with the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard and Air Corps. They are further supported by international specialised teams from the French Armed Forces, the Brazilian Navy, and the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard. On the ground, police officers were observed by Kaieteur News (KN) coordinating the transfer of wooden boxes containing the bodies recovered along coastal transit corridors from Supenaam to Parika, where KN then observed they were subsequently collected by vehicles from Jerrick’s Funeral Home to assist with ongoing logistics.

As funerals began across impacted communities in Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, and Regions 3, 4, and 6, political tension surrounding the government’s handling of victim transport and logistical assistance flared. Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed voiced criticisms online, highlighting the strain placed on grieving relatives in remote regions. “Shame on this wicked and cruel PPP Government, these 4 bodies will have to endure a long journey of 6 hours for burial at Port Kaituma. Get the damn government planes and helicopters to carry the bodies for the bereaved family members. Why treat citizens like this?” he said via the Team Mohamed’s Facebook page.

Government ministers joined family members and community leaders to pay their final respects at several services. A national night of reflection and prayer was held in Port Kaituma on Thursday evening. A vigil will be held in Mabaruma on Friday, July 24, 2026.

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bodies, MV Barima disaster, Parika, Port Kaituma

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