A devastating maritime disaster has unfolded off the coast of Guyana, after passenger ferry MV Barima overturned in rough waters late Saturday, leaving scores of people dead or unaccounted for and triggering a sweeping official investigation. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has moved quickly to extend its full solidarity and support to the South American nation in the wake of the tragedy.
The ill-fated vessel was en route from Guyana’s capital Georgetown to Port Kaituma when it capsized roughly seven miles offshore, near the mouth of the Pomeroon River, shortly after departing the Kingston Goods Wharf that same afternoon. By Sunday evening, coordinated search and rescue teams had pulled 67 survivors from the water and recovered two bodies, with operations continuing around the clock to locate remaining missing passengers.
In an official statement released after the incident, CARICOM said it was deeply saddened by the loss of life and disruption caused by the capsizing off Guyana’s Atlantic coast. The regional bloc also offered public recognition to the emergency responders, government agencies and private boat operators who mobilized immediately after the disaster, noting that these crews worked through dangerous overnight conditions to save as many lives as possible. “CARICOM stands in solidarity with the Government and people of Guyana, in particular, the families and communities that are being impacted by this unfolding disaster,” the statement added, confirming the bloc would continue to monitor search and investigation efforts and keep affected families in its prayers.
In the early days of the probe, serious irregularities have already emerged that have prompted swift official action. The Guyanese government has suspended the entire management team responsible for the ferry’s loading, departure and ongoing operational oversight, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill confirmed Monday. Edghill explained the temporary suspensions are a proactive step to protect the integrity of the investigation, eliminating any risk of evidence tampering and ensuring the probe remains full, transparent and impartial.
Retired Brigadier and Prime Minister Mark Phillips ordered an urgent, multi-agency investigation after initial inquiries uncovered a series of troubling inconsistencies. Most notably, official passenger records only listed 35 of the 67 passengers who were rescued from the capsized ferry, pointing to major inaccuracies in the vessel’s official manifest. Al Jazeera reports that the ferry was actually carrying at least 133 passengers when it departed, meaning dozens of people could still be missing and presumed dead.
Investigators have also confirmed a disturbing additional finding: both the ferry’s captain and first engineer tested positive for cannabis in mandatory drug screenings conducted after they were rescued. Guyanese government officials have stressed that any individual found to have committed negligence, misconduct or criminal acts connected to the disaster will face full accountability under national law.
President Irfaan Ali has already met with survivors and the families of missing passengers to offer government support and hear their concerns. As of the latest updates, search operations are still ongoing across the local Atlantic waters and adjacent shorelines, as authorities work to locate all missing people and deliver answers to waiting families.