The Government of Guyana has mobilised an extensive multi-agency search and rescue operation after the MV Barima capsized off the coast of Region Two late Saturday while travelling to Port Kaituma, Region One, with 116 passengers and 17 crew members on board.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Umana Yana on Sunday morning, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips said the government’s immediate priority is rescuing every person aboard the vessel.
“As at this time, we’ve rescued, confirmed the rescue of 53 passengers from the ferry, and efforts are ongoing to rescue the additional passengers who are on the ferry,” the prime minister announced, noting that the operation had intensified with daylight.
He said the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), several private coastal vessels and aviation assets have all been deployed in the operation.
“The search not only is expanded but is ongoing as I speak. Our effort is aimed at rescuing everybody who was on board that ferry,” the prime minister stressed.
Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill said the National Search and Rescue Coordination Centre was activated shortly after 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, triggering what he described as a “massive response” involving both state and private sector resources.
“All the stakeholders were engaged, and there has been a massive response,” he said, explaining that every available Coast Guard and MARAD vessel, along with private operators from the Essequibo Coast and Region Three, joined the rescue mission.
Minister Edghill expressed optimism that additional survivors would be located during daylight hours and said authorities are hopeful of accounting for everyone on board.
Minister Edghill also outlined the government’s coordinated emergency response, revealing that Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony is leading medical operations in Regions Two and Three, while the Civil Defence Commission and regional administrations have been fully mobilised.
He said Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar joined the search operation at sea, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Madanlall Ramraj coordinated vessels along the Essequibo Coast, and the entire Cabinet was activated following notification of the incident.
Prime Minister Phillips said all rescued persons are receiving treatment under the supervision of the Ministry of Health before their names are released.
To facilitate communication with relatives, the government has established three information centres:
- Umana Yana in Georgetown, Region 4 – 658-2050
- Port Kaituma Community Centre, Region One – 662-3577
- NAREI Extension Centre (Kumaka), Region One – 769-3541
Transport and Harbours Department personnel have been stationed at the centres to provide verified updates to relatives using the vessel’s manifest.
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Kwame McCoy urged the public to rely only on official updates as rescue efforts continue.
“We could only share verified information with you at this time,” he said, appealing to citizens to avoid circulating unverified reports that could cause additional distress to families or hinder the ongoing operation.
This is a developing story, and information will be updated.