Guyana ferry disaster: 41 dead, 77 rescued as overloaded MV Barima capsizes off Essequibo coast

The sinking

The MV Barima, an 87-year-old ferry built in 1939, departed Georgetown on Saturday afternoon, 18 July, bound for Port Kaituma in the Essequibo region. Around 11 p.m. local time, air traffic control received a distress call from the vessel, which was about eight hours into its 24-hour journey. A large wave struck the ferry, causing it to capsize quickly. Survivor Helena Moonsammy recalled that the boat "sunk in minutes, seconds," and that boxes fell on her as she tried to save her grandchildren. Another survivor, 18-year-old Wayne Kitson, told local outlet Kiskadee Watch that everyone was asleep when the incident occurred, and he swam in the sea from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. before being rescued.

Rescue and recovery

Search and rescue operations began early Sunday, involving boats, aircraft, and divers. By Monday, 69 people had been rescued, and 27 bodies recovered, with 83 still missing. On Tuesday, the government updated the toll to 41 dead and 77 rescued, as French and local divers continued underwater recovery. The search area was expanded from 400 km² to 1,070 km². Prime Minister Mark Phillips said, "We still have hope," but no survivors had been found since Sunday afternoon. The ferry was located on the seabed about 15 km off the coast.

Our focus again is on finding people. We still have hope.

Investigation and crew

Authorities launched a criminal investigation. The captain and at least one other crew member tested positive for cannabis and remain in police custody. Public Works Minister Juan Edghill suspended all staff associated with the management and loading of the MV Barima, citing suspicion of illegal loading of extra passengers and cargo. President Irfaan Ali, in a national address, said, "Brace yourself for the coming days. It is going to be a difficult period for us as a people and as a country."

Brace yourself for the coming days. It is going to be a difficult period for us as a people and as a country. May God watch over Guyana and bring us through this horrible experience.

Overloading and manifest discrepancies

The ship's manifest listed 116 passengers and 17 crew, but authorities now believe 179 people were aboard. Prime Minister Phillips said the figure was revised after reviewing embarkation footage. Passengers have long complained that ticket clerks unofficially sell seats for cash without adding names to the manifest, a practice that has persisted for decades. The inaccuracy complicated the initial search, as officials struggled to determine how many were missing.

Regional response

Neighbouring countries sent assistance. A contingent of military divers from French Guiana joined the operation. The Venezuelan foreign ministry expressed solidarity and wished success in the rescue efforts. Caribbean leaders, including Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew, offered condolences, with Holness saying he was "deeply saddened" by the tragedy.