Nine victims of MV Barima tragedy laid to rest

Jul 24, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – Nine persons who lost their lives in the tragic MV Barima incident on Saturday night were laid to rest on Thursday.

The ill-fated vessel departed the Transport and Harbours Department wharf at Kingston, Georgetown, at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Saturday July 18. It was expected to arrive at Port Kaituma on Sunday afternoon after travelling along Guyana’s Atlantic Coastline.

Instead, the 87-year-old vessel went down about seven miles offshore near Iron Punt, in the vicinity of the Pomeroon River, while on its scheduled voyage from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, Region One.

Nine victims of MV Barima tragedy laid to rest

Family, friends, and community members gathered at the lawns of the Regional Democratic Council of Region One to pay their final respects to the late Gwenette Nunes and her daughter Ulanda Marques who lost their lives in the MV Barima tragedy.

Figures disclosed by government suggest that the vessel was carrying at least 179 persons including crew members, passengers including children.

Laid to rest Clairmonte King, a passenger who was onboard MV Barima.

To date, the incident has since claimed the lives of 72 persons, 65 of which were positively identified by families. A total of 76 persons were rescued.

On Thursday, families of nine of the deceased bid their final farewell at their respective communities. Among those gathered at the funeral services were members of the cabinet and regional administrative officials.

Laid to rest, Shamera Smith and Aarave Daniels of White Water Village.

Those who were laid to rest were seven-year-old Aarave Daniels and his aunt 13-year old Shamera Smith of White Water Village, Region One.

Laid to rest, Shamera Smith and Aarave Daniels of White Water Village.

Victims, Gwenette Nunes and her daughter Ulanda Marques were laid to rest. A funeral service for the mother and her daughter was held on the lawns of the Region One Regional Democratic Council.

Laid to rest, Gwenette Nunes

Laid to rest, 15-year-old Ulanda Marques

Family, friends and residents of Wakenaam Island on Thursday bid their final farewell to 11-year-old Ronaldo Poon.

Laid to rest 11-year-old Ronaldo Poon

Also laid to rest was Ravindra Singh and Bibi Mohamed, who were on board the vessel heading to Port Kaituma for work. Family, friends and residents gathered in Zeelugt, Region Three where a funeral service was held for them.

Laid to rest Kevin Wilson, a crew member of the MV BARIMA

Husband and wife, Ravindra Singh and Bibi Mohamed who were onboard MV Barima heading to Port Kaituma.

Another victim, 28-year-old Kevin Wilson, a crew member of the MV Barima was laid to rest at Edinburgh, East Bank Berbice.

On Thursday also, family and friends gathered at the Memorial Gardens to pay their final respects to Clairmonte King, a beloved father and husband who lost his life in the MV Barima tragedy.

This publication understands that funeral services for more victims are expected to continue today (Friday).

The tragic incident left dozens of families devastated and the wider nation in mourning.

Authorities, having received reports of the incident launched search, rescue, and recovery operations which intensified with the arrival of maritime assets and personnel from the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and the Brazilian Navy. It was reported that in rescuing survivors and recovering bodies, 19 vessels and three aircraft are now actively engaged at the crash site, supported by specialised diving teams. Meanwhile, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) have deployed smaller vessels further inland to search shoreline areas and vegetation. Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, along with local fishermen and private boat owners, have been assisting.

Following the incident, President Irfaan Ali on Tuesday had declared three days, Wednesday to Friday of national mourning in honour of the victims, during which all national flags will fly at half-mast.

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