As of noon today, the Search and Rescue Coordination Centre continues to oversee a massive search and rescue operation in response to the incident involving the MV Barima while it was travelling to Port Kaituma, Region One.
The Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, the lead agency in the search and rescue operation, briefed the Coordination Centre and reported that 67 persons had been rescued at the time of its update.
The rescued persons comprise 41 males, 11 females and 15 children. Of the children, six are boys and nine are girls.
Those rescued were taken to various medical facilities, including facilities at Charity and Lima. The medical response continues to be led by the Minister of Health, the Honourable Dr Frank Anthony, with support from emergency personnel. Additional psychosocial support is also being provided to family members at the Umana Yana in Georgetown.
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.
Local fisherfolk with extensive knowledge of the area have also joined the rescue efforts.
Three command centres were established as of 7:00 a.m. today in Mabaruma, Port Kaituma and at the Umana Yana in Georgetown.
The families of those rescued, as well as the relatives of all recorded passengers and crew members, have been engaged.
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. Local leaders in Region Two, with support from the Civil Defence Commission and staff of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, have also been providing psychosocial support.
At the time of the incident, the MV Barima was outfitted with 250 life jackets, six inflatable life rafts and two rigid life rafts.2563
It should also be noted that the MV Barima has a cargo capacity of 284 tonnes. 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.
The MV Barima was last dry-docked in 2024 and remains within its required docking cycle. The vessel is also operating with new engines and makes approximately three to four trips to Port Kaituma each month.
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre has received messages of support from members of both the public and private sectors.
In keeping with established protocols, the search and rescue operation continues with the objective of accounting for every person who was aboard the vessel.
The men and women operating in the search area, along with those providing logistical support and emergency response services, must be commended for the excellent work being done.
The Government of Guyana continues to work closely with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre. Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has been leading the Government’s response, with support from several members of the Cabinet.
His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali and Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo have remained actively engaged, ensuring that all necessary Government resources and support are made available.
Operations at the various command centres remain ongoing. Officials continue to engage with the families of those who have been rescued and with relatives who are awaiting information about their loved ones.