As Guyana mourned the lives lost in the MV Barima tragedy, a group of volunteer boat operators and fishermen quietly set aside their own livelihoods to answer a call that proved crucial to the search, rescue and recovery in the wake of the MV Barima tragedy on July 18.
They navigated rough seas and searched vast stretches of water, working alongside the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard and other emergency responders to help recover victims and bring comfort to grieving families.
Randolph Ammon
For veteran boat captain Randolph Ammon, better known along the Pomeroon River as “Spragga,” helping was never a question but an obligation.
“It was tough, it was difficult, but I had to make it because I need to save lives,” Randolph said.
With more than three decades of experience navigating Guyana’s waterways, Ammon received the call for help in the early hours of the morning from fellow boat captains. Despite the dangerous conditions at sea, he responded without hesitation.
“Helping is a grateful thing, and God blessed the way we could help. From day one until now, I continue to help because that’s what we have to do,” Ammon said.
Ammon joined the search effort, locating victims drifting at sea, marking recovery sites, and transporting the deceased back to Port Kaituma so families could finally receive their loved ones.
Praimlall Singh
For fisherman Praimlall Singh, known as “Fineman,” the waters where the vessel sank were familiar territory.
Having spent more than two decades fishing along Guyana’s northwestern coastline, Singh immediately joined the search after learning of the disaster.
He and his crew travelled through the night, searching for survivors before later assisting in efforts around the wreck site.
One moment from the search remains deeply etched in Singh’s memory after he encountered a young victim while returning from the search area. Singh immediately alerted the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, allowing its ranks to move to the location and carry out the recovery.
His actions underscored the important role of local volunteers working alongside the Coast Guard and other responders during the wider search and recovery operation.
As the recovery operation expanded, the government mobilised a coordinated national response involving the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, specialised divers, medical teams, social workers, counsellors and other emergency agencies.
The government has also provided psychosocial support to grieving families while maintaining the search and recovery efforts.
For Ammon, however, the mission was about standing beside fellow Guyanese during their darkest hour.
“I know nothing can replace a life, but if we could help even one family find their loved one, then everything we went through was worth it,” he said.