–One more body found inside MV Barima vessel
As the coordinated search and recovery efforts continue, following the tragic incident involving the MV Barima, the government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to seeing the operation through to the end.
Providing the latest update on Friday, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips revealed that the number of bodies recovered now stands at 73, of which, 69 were positively identified.
Sixty-three bodies have already been released to grieving families, while six more are scheduled to be transported to their respective communities for burial.
According to the prime minister, search teams remained active throughout the day across an expanded search area, while aerial surveillance, maritime assets and diving operations continued to support the national effort.
The designated search zone has been widened by an additional 32 square miles, stretching west to Waini Point and east to Adventure, as authorities intensify efforts to locate the remaining missing passengers.
Diving teams completed five underwater operations on Friday, with each dive lasting between 45 and 60 minutes.
During one of the dives, rescuers recovered another body from inside the vessel.
As of Friday, 22 funerals had been completed.
“A total of 17 assets, comprising three aircraft and 14 maritime vessels, remain actively engaged in the search and recovery operation,” the prime minister stated.
He stressed that the operation remains a national priority, with personnel and resources fully committed.
“These operations will continue for as long as necessary to ensure that every possible effort is made to account for those affected with the utmost care, dignity and respect,” Prime Minister Phillips emphasised.
The prime minister also announced that a night of reflection and prayer would be held in Mabaruma on Friday evening as the nation continues to mourn those who lost their lives in the tragedy.