MV Barima tragedy-France, T&T boost join Guyana’s search & rescue mission

…“Guyana is family” – Barbados PM in readiness to help

As Guyana continues search and rescue efforts following the capsizing of MV Barima, regional leaders and international partners have expressed solidarity, while several nations have pledged personnel and resources to assist in the ongoing operation. Barbados Prime Minister (PM) Mia Mottley said she spoke with President Dr Irfaan Ali as Guyana confronts what she described as the deepening tragedy. “The latest news is devastating. Twenty-seven lives have been lost, including at least four children. Sixty-nine people have been rescued, while 83 remain unaccounted for as the search continues. Behind every number is a family grieving, waiting and praying,” Mottley said.

She said she conveyed the condolences and support of the Government and people of Barbados to President Ali and the families affected by the tragedy. “Our hearts are with those mourning an unimaginable loss, with every family still awaiting word, and with the survivors who must now carry the weight of what they have endured,” she stated. Mottley also commended the rescue teams, fisherfolk, medical personnel and others involved in the response, adding that Barbados stands ready to provide whatever assistance Guyana may require. “Guyana is family. In this hour of profound sorrow, Barbados stands with you,” she said. Meanwhile, the Delegation of the European Union (EU) in Guyana, through Ambassador Luca Pierantoni, also expressed sympathy to those affected by the disaster. “Following the tragic capsizing of the MV Barima, our thoughts are with all those affected, their families, and the emergency personnel engaged in the search and response efforts,” the Ambassador said in a statement.

He noted that communities across the region have long been connected through geography, history and cooperation, adding that the French Government’s swift response reflects that regional solidarity. According to the EU, a 15-member team from the French Armed Forces in French Guiana has already arrived in Essequibo to support search, rescue and recovery operations. The contingent comprises 12 specialist divers, two medics and one mechanic. The Ambassador thanked the French Armed Forces in French Guiana and the French Embassy in Georgetown for working alongside the Guyanese authorities to facilitate the deployment. Trinidad and Tobago has also joined the international response, deploying Coast Guard personnel and equipment, along with a Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) C-26 surveillance aircraft, to assist in the search and rescue mission. PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar confirmed the deployment in an interview with I.A.N News.
“Yes, the Coast Guard is sending search-and-rescue equipment and personnel,” she said, adding that “a search-and-rescue C-26 aircraft is also being sent for aerial support” as efforts continue to locate survivors and those still missing. At a press conference on Monday evening, PM Mark Phillips told reporters that the French divers have joined the local team offshore and were assessing conditions to determine whether to go under water overnight or await daylight.
“They are already at the location and they are preparing to dive. It’s for them to decide if they’ll go down tonight or if they’ll go down in the morning at first light. That’s a special skill and we want to respect their decision. But we have the divers in location,” the PM noted. The international support comes as Guyana continues extensive search and recovery operations following the sinking of the MV Barima, one of the country’s worst maritime disasters. Rescue teams, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), local fisherfolk and international partners remain engaged in the operation as authorities work to locate those still missing.