In the wake of a devastating ferry disaster off Guyana’s northern coast that has left dozens of people presumed dead and dozens more unaccounted for, the Central American nation of Belize has formally extended its deepest condolences and unwavering solidarity to the government and people of Guyana.
The tragic incident unfolded late Saturday, when the MV Barima, a passenger vessel carrying 116 passengers and 17 crew members, capsized mid-journey en route from Guyana’s capital Georgetown to the far-northern port of Port Kaituma. As of Sunday, local rescue authorities had successfully pulled 67 survivors from the water, but hope is fading for the remaining passengers and crew who have not been located.
In an official statement released Sunday, Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño voiced his country’s shared grief with Guyana amid ongoing search efforts. “The thoughts of the people of Belize are with the people of Guyana as they grapple with this tragedy,” Briceño’s statement read. The prime minister added that the entire nation of Belize is praying for the miraculous safe recovery of those still missing, and extends heartfelt comfort to the families waiting anxiously for any update on their loved ones.
To date, a large-scale multi-agency search and rescue operation is still underway. The effort brings together personnel from the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Coast Guard, privately owned local vessels, and regional partner organizations, all working around the clock to locate survivors and recover the remains of victims of the disaster.