MV Barima tragedy-Every life matters – Pres Ali on resources deployed to search, rescue, recovery operation

…calls for unity as Guyana mourns

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday assured the nation that every available resource is being deployed in the ongoing search, rescue and recovery operation following the capsizing of the MV Barima, while announcing that a full, thorough and independent investigation will be conducted into the tragedy. In a national address, the President described the incident as “a tragedy of immense proportions” that has left the country united in grief, anxiety and sorrow. “Our nation has been plunged into a tragedy of immense proportions. The capsizing of the MV Barima has pierced the heart of our nation, leaving us united in grief, anxiety and sorrow,” he said, noting that families across Guyana continue to await news of loved ones.
Earlier on Monday, President Ali said he visited survivors, relatives of some of those still missing in Port Kaituma and Mabaruma, as well as patients receiving treatment at the Mabaruma Regional Hospital. He said the visit was an emotional experience during which he listened to survivors’ accounts, shared in the pain of affected families and assured them that the Government would provide the necessary support and assistance.

Immediate priority
The President said the Government’s immediate priority remains; saving lives, supporting survivors, comforting grieving families and accounting for every person still unaccounted for. “Every minute matters. Every life matters,” he stated, adding that every possible resource has been mobilised in pursuit of that mission. President Ali praised those involved in the rescue and recovery efforts, including members of the Government, the Joint Services, emergency responders, regional officials, volunteers, fishermen, community members, religious leaders, parliamentarians, private sector representatives, civil society organisations and international partners.
He said the national response, led by Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and supported by Cabinet members, reflected the unity of the Guyanese people during a time of national tragedy. “It is a powerful reminder that when adversity strikes, the people of Guyana stand shoulder to shoulder, united by our shared humanity,” the President said. He assured citizens that rescue and recovery operations would continue without interruption until every possible avenue has been exhausted.

Independent investigation
President Ali also announced that a full, transparent and independent investigation will be launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. “The families affected and indeed the people of Guyana deserve answers, deserve to know precisely what transpired and whether any failures contributed to this heartbreaking event,” he said. He stressed that the investigation would be conducted with transparency, impartiality and accountability but urged the public to avoid speculation or attempts to politicise the tragedy while rescue efforts continue. “There will be a time for facts, for accountability and for measured judgment. Today, however, our collective responsibility is to save lives, to comfort the grieving, to support the traumatised and to stand with every family whose world has been turned upside down,” he said.

Support victims, survivors
Calling for national unity, the President urged Guyanese to support the victims, survivors, their families and the rescue teams through prayer and compassion. He said the country faces difficult days ahead but encouraged citizens to remain united in love, faith, patience and solidarity with the communities most affected. President Ali also announced that details of the period of national mourning would be outlined in the coming hours. “May God watch over Guyana and bring us through this horrific experience. God bless all of you, especially the families of all those who are aboard the MV Barima,” he said. The MV Barima departed the Georgetown stelling at about 15:00h on Saturday on its scheduled voyage to Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini), carrying 179 passengers, 18 crew members along with cargo. According to officials, the ferry travelled along Guyana’s Atlantic coastline towards the North West District before encountering rough sea conditions off the Essequibo Coast near the mouth of the Pomeroon River late that night. Survivors later recalled that the vessel suddenly began listing to one side before capsizing, forcing passengers into the water. At approximately 23:01h, a distress signal was transmitted from the MV Barima and received by Aviation officials, prompting an immediate large-scale search and rescue operation involving the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard and Air Corps, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), civilian vessels and local fishermen. So far 27 persons have been confirmed dead, 69 rescued and 83 missing.