MV Barima tragedy: More international partners join Guyana in support, solidarity

Following Saturday night’s capsizing of MV Barima off the Essequibo Coast, solidarity and support from Guyana’s bilateral allies around the world continue to pour in.
On Wednesday, the United States Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, extended his most sincere condolences to the Government and people of Guyana over the “terrible” ferry accident.
“We in the US share in your loss and mourning. May God bless those who lost their lives, the survivors, and their families and friends,” the US State Department official said in a social media post.

France
Similarly, the Government of France also expressed its deepest condolences to Guyana following the July 18 sinking of the MV Barima.
The French Embassy in Georgetown shared a statement from the spokesperson of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, saying that Paris “…shares in the grief of the victims, their families, and their loved ones.”
Apart from extending solidarity, the French Government is also supporting ongoing search and rescue operations off the Guyanese coast, where authorities have recovered over 50 bodies with in excess of 40 persons still missing.
In fact, on Monday, a 15-member team from the French Armed Forces in French Guiana arrived in Essequibo, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supernaam), to assist with the ongoing search, rescue and recovery operations.
“France deployed, on 20 July, a reinforcement team of 15 specialists, including military divers and rescue personnel from the French Armed Forces stationed in French Guiana. France stands in solidarity with its partners and neighbours across the Caribbean, the West Indies, and the Guyana Shield,” the missive from Paris detailed.
The French divers, along with others from neighbouring Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago, have played an integral role in supporting the local team to examine the sunken vessel, which was initially located by local fishermen on Monday and later confirmed by authorities some nine miles off the Essequibo Coast.
The divers had already gone down to the seabed to conduct initial assessments of the vessel, and on Wednesday efforts commenced to reposition the ferry on its keel in order to have it brought closer onshore so that the divers could gain better access inside.
Meanwhile, China has also offered support to the Guyana Government as the search and recovery efforts continue. In a July 19 statement, the Chinese Embassy in Georgetown said, “China stands ready to provide Guyana with assistance within its capacity.”
This message was reiterated by the Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Yang Yang, on Monday, when she met with Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd.

India
On the other hand, the Indian High Commission in Georgetown also said on Wednesday that it stands in solidarity with the Guyanese people as they mourn the tragic loss of lives in the MV Barima ferry disaster.
“India extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wishes strength to all those affected by this heart-breaking tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with those still missing, and we sincerely hope that the ongoing search and rescue efforts bring comfort and closure to their loved ones. At this difficult hour, India stands with the Government and the people of Guyana in grief and solidarity,” the statement detailed.
On Tuesday, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced a three-day period of national mourning – starting Wednesday – during which flags will be flown at half-mast; several Governments, organisations, and officials around the world conveyed their deepest sympathies to Guyana and the families affected.

European Union Delegation
Joining in this national mourning on Wednesday was the Delegation of the European Union to Guyana together with the European Union Member States accredited to Guyana. They expressed their deepest condolences to the Government and people of Guyana following the tragic capsizing of the MV Barima.
“Our hearts go out to those who have lost family, friends, and community members in this devastating incident. We stand in solidarity and we extend our deepest sympathy to them and the people of Guyana during this difficult time. We commend the ongoing search-and-rescue efforts, including the support provided by partners, such as France. The EU remains ready to assist in any possible way deemed useful,” the EU said.
Since the vessel’s sinking on Saturday night, Guyana has been receiving messages of condolences from international and regional partners, including neighbouring Brazil.

Brazil
The Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil extended condolences to the Government and people of Guyana through a press release issued by the Government of Brazil on July 19, 2026.
“The Embassy further expresses condolences and solidarity on behalf of the Government and people of Brazil to the families who lost their loved ones on board the MV Barima on the night of July 18 last,” the release stated.
The Embassy also reiterated its commitment to strengthening the longstanding relationship between Brazil and Guyana while extending support during the period of national grief.

Japan Embassy
The Ambassador of Japan to Guyana, Dr Akima Umezawa, also expressed sorrow over the tragedy, offering condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Japan.
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic demise of a number of Guyanese citizens who perished when the passenger ferry, MV Barima, overturned off the Atlantic coast on Saturday, July 18, 2026. On behalf of the Government and people of Japan, I wish to express our deepest sympathies and sorrow during this difficult period.”
Umezawa said there were no words that could adequately express the grief caused by the tragedy but extended thoughts and prayers to the families of those who lost their lives, those injured, and those still unaccounted for.
He also expressed hope that the dedication of first responders, emergency teams, and naval personnel would bring comfort to families as search and recovery efforts continue.

OAS
At the same time, the Organization of American States (OAS) also conveyed its condolences to Guyana.
The Office of the Assistant Secretary General of the OAS, on behalf of its staff, expressed its deepest sympathy following the tragic loss of life.
“In these moments of profound sorrow, the Office of the Assistant Secretary General wishes to express its solidarity with the Government and the people of Guyana and extends its deepest sympathy to the families of the victims, the missing persons, and all those affected by this tragedy.”
The OAS also expressed support for the ongoing search and rescue operations, while wishing for the swift recovery of survivors of the incident.

CARPHA
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) also joined regional organisations in expressing condolences to Guyana following the capsizing of the MV Barima ferry, which was transporting passengers from Georgetown to Port Kaituma.
CARPHA said it was deeply saddened by reports of persons who lost their lives and those still missing while extending support to survivors, injured persons, emergency responders, and all those involved in the rescue and recovery efforts.
“Please be assured that CARPHA stands in solidarity with the people of Guyana as you navigate the aftermath of this devastating event. CARPHA stands ready to provide any support or assistance that may be needed.”

Saudi Eksab
Saudi Eksab has also extended condolences and solidarity to Guyana following the tragic ferry incident in the country’s coastal waters.
In a statement, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Yazeed Al-Yahya, expressed deep sadness over the incident and conveyed heartfelt condolences to President Dr Irfaan Ali, the Government and people of Guyana, particularly the families affected by the tragedy.
Al-Yahya said Saudi Eksab’s thoughts and prayers are with the people of Guyana while wishing strength and comfort to the bereaved families and a swift recovery to those injured.
He also extended support to the Guyanese authorities, emergency responders, and all those involved in the ongoing search, response, and recovery efforts.

Caribbean Airlines
Regional airline Caribbean Airlines also expressed solidarity with Guyana during the period of mourning.
The airline said Guyana remains an important part of the Caribbean Airlines family and extended condolences to those affected by the tragedy.
“Caribbean Airlines extends its deepest sympathies to the people of Guyana following the tragic MV Barima ferry accident. Guyana is an important part of the Caribbean Airlines family, and during this difficult time we stand in solidarity with the nation as it mourns this heartbreaking loss.”
The airline added that its thoughts and prayers remain with survivors, families of those who lost their lives, and everyone affected as search and rescue efforts continue.

Grenada
Similarly, the Government of Grenada also extended its deepest condolences to Guyana.
In a message from Grenada’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development, Joseph Andall, to Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, the Government and people of Grenada expressed solidarity with those affected by the tragedy.
“On behalf of the Government and People of Grenada, I extend deepest sympathies to the Government and People of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana following the tragic capsizing of the MV Barima.”
The statement noted that Grenada’s thoughts and prayers remain with the families of those who lost their lives, those still unaccounted for, and survivors coping with the traumatic aftermath of the incident.
Grenada also commended the courage and dedication of the rescue teams and first responders, while reaffirming its continued support for Guyana as the country navigates the aftermath of the tragedy.
“Please be assured of Grenada’s continued solidarity and support as your nation navigates the aftermath of this tragedy.”

Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic also conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Guyana.
In a diplomatic note, the Dominican Republic said it joins Guyana in mourning the victims of the ferry disaster, extending particular sympathy to the families who lost loved ones.
“The people and Government of the Dominican Republic join the people of Guyana, especially the families of the victims, in these moments of profound grief.”
The Embassy also praised the determination shown by the agencies involved in the search and rescue operation, commending their unwavering efforts throughout the emergency response.

Canada
Canada also joined the growing list of nations expressing sympathy following the tragedy.
In a brief statement, the Canadian Government said it was saddened by the tragic loss of life caused by the ferry sinking and extended its deepest condolences to the families of those who died.
Canada added that its thoughts remain with everyone affected by the disaster as search and recovery efforts continue.