Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips assured the public that the government is doing everything possible to identify the victims of the MV Barima tragedy with the utmost dignity, as search and recovery operations continue.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, the Prime Minister said all bodies that have been positively identified have been released to their families for burial.
“Every effort continues to be made to complete the identification process with the utmost care and dignity. The government remains unwavering in its support for the families who have lost loved ones and for all those affected by this tragedy,” he emphasised.
The PM said search and recovery efforts would continue for as long as every reasonable measure could be taken.
However, he said there have been no significant developments since last Friday.
Some 30 people remain unaccounted for, while five of the 73 bodies recovered have yet to be positively identified.
The Ministry of Health has appealed to members of the public with any information that may assist in identifying the remaining victims to come forward so their bodies can be released to their relatives for burial.
So far, a total of 77 people were initially rescued following the tragedy, but one survivor later died, bringing the number of survivors to 76.
Search and recovery operations remain active, with 18 assets deployed, including three aircraft and 15 vessels.
The search area continues to extend from Waini Point in the west to Adventure in the east, with maritime and aerial teams maintaining continuous operations.
The prime minister assured that further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.