Search operation widened as hope begins to fade for more survivors from MV Barima ferry tragedy

The area being searched to locate additional persons who may have survived the MV Barima sinking has been expanded, as the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard and others intensify the search and rescue operation. During an afternoon briefing, Prime Minister Mark Phillips said the search area has been expanded from 400 square kilometres to 1,070 square kilometres. “ Since first light, the search area has been expanded from 400 square kilometres to 1,070 square kilometres. Additionally, the number of assets deployed by air and sea has increased significantly, with the operation continuing to benefit from both State resources and private-sector support,” the Prime Minister said. According to him, local fisherfolk with extensive knowledge of the area have also joined the rescue efforts. The Government has reported that there were 133 persons were on board the vessel when it sank just off the coast of Region Two at around 11pm on Saturday. 67 persons have been rescued so far, including 15 children. The captain is among the 67 rescued, and according to the Prime Minister, he has returned to the scene of the incident to assist with the Search and Rescue Operation. “The captain and mate of the vessel, who were among those rescued, have returned to the area to assist with the search and rescue operation,” the Prime Minister said. Meanwhile, those rescued were taken to various medical facilities, including facilities at Charity and Lima. The medical response is being led by the Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, who is being supported by emergency personnel on the ground. Psychosocial support is also being offered to the affected. Three Emergency Family Assistance Centers have been set up to provide families affected by the MV Barima incident with information. Two of those centers are set up in Region One, one at the Port Kaituma Community Center and another at the NAREI Extension Center in Kumaka, and the third at the Umana Yana in Georgetown. According to the Prime Minister, the families of those rescued, as well as the relatives of all recorded passengers and crew members, have been engaged. THE STATE OF MV BARIMA AT THE TIME OF LEAVING PORT GEORGETOWN Prime Minister Phillips said when disaster struck last, the MV Barima was outfitted with 250 life jackets, six inflatable life rafts and two rigid life rafts. According to him, vessel has a cargo capacity of 284 tonnes, however, at the time of the incident, the vessel’s manifest recorded a cargo weight of 268 tonnes. “The vessel is licensed to carry more than 300 passengers. At the time of the incident, there were 116 passengers aboard, along with a crew of 17,” he added. The MV Barima was last dry-docked in 2024, and according to the Prime Minister, it was within its required docking cycle. He said the vessel had new engines, and would usually make three to four trips to Port Kaituma monthly. As the search and rescue operation continues, the Government is working closely with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre and other key stakeholders.