Guyanese maritime authorities are continuing a large-scale search-and-rescue operation following the capsizing of the passenger ferry MV Barima during a voyage from Georgetown to Port Kaituma. Two people have been confirmed dead, while dozens remain unaccounted for as rescue teams continue efforts to establish the full number of people affected by the incident.
The ferry encountered difficulty late Saturday while operating along Guyana’s northern coastal route. Authorities reported that the vessel was carrying 116 passengers and 17 crew members according to its official records, although the accuracy of the passenger manifest has since become a central focus of the investigation. Rescue teams had recovered 67 survivors, but officials later determined that many of those rescued were not listed on the original passenger documentation, complicating efforts to determine the number of missing persons.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said the search operation remained active after a second body was recovered. He explained that inaccurate passenger records had created difficulties in establishing an accurate account of those aboard and called on families with missing relatives to provide information to authorities assisting with the response.
The government has launched a formal maritime investigation involving the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Maritime Administration Department and technical specialists. Investigators are expected to examine passenger documentation, loading procedures, compliance with safety requirements and the actions of the vessel’s captain and crew before and during the voyage.
Authorities have also raised concerns regarding crew conduct after medical examinations reportedly indicated positive cannabis tests involving members of the vessel’s operating team. The captain and another crew member were placed in police custody as investigators examined possible operational violations.
The rescue effort has involved coast guard units, defence forces, aircraft, private vessels and local maritime operators familiar with the waters. The search area was expanded as additional resources joined the operation, including vessels equipped with scanning technology and diving teams assigned to inspect the wreck site.
Survivors described a rapid sequence of events as the ferry began taking on water and later overturned. Several passengers reported escaping into the water and surviving through the night by holding onto floating objects or life-saving equipment until rescue crews arrived.
The incident has prompted widespread attention across the Caribbean and neighbouring regions, with governments and international organisations expressing support for Guyana’s emergency response. Authorities have stated that rescue operations will continue while investigators work to determine the circumstances that led to one of the country’s most serious recent maritime accidents.