MV Barima tragedy: “People of Guyana remain in our hearts & prayers” – King Charles

Messages of condolences continue to pour in following the July 18 capsizing of MV Barima off the Essequibo Coast, taking the lives of at least 65 persons while more than 30 others remain unaccounted for.
Guyana’s bilateral partners and allies, as well as civil organisations from around the world, have been reaching out to the Government to extend solidarity and offer support.
Among the most recent messages of condolences over Saturday night’s tragic ferry accident that President Dr Irfaan Ali has received is one from His Majesty, The King.
“My wife and I were most profoundly shocked and saddened to learn of the appallingly tragic loss of life following the capsizing of the MV Barima… The people of Guyana remain very much in our hearts and in our prayers at this time of deep anguish and loss,” King Charles penned in his message that was shared by the British High Commission in Georgetown on Thursday.
The British Royal went on to recall his fondest memories from his visit to Guyana, adding, “…So, it is with particular sorrow that I write to convey our deepest possible sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the people of Guyana and most especially to the families who have lost their loved ones.”
King Charles further extended a special tribute to the courage and dedication of the search and rescue teams who continue their efforts under such difficult circumstances.
Currently, there are at least 19 vessels, both state-owned and private, and three aircraft engaged in the operation off the Essequibo Coast, where the MV Barima is lying on the seabed about nine miles into the Atlantic. The sunken ferry was first located on Monday by local fishermen, who have been assisting with the operation since Saturday night, and was later confirmed by authorities.
The search and rescue efforts continue with support from regional partners, including the French Guiana army, the Brazilian navy, and the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, which have deployed maritime assets and personnel to aid in recovering those missing persons. Their teams will support the diving operations and other specialised recovery activities.
In fact, the teams are actively trying to reposition the ferry on its keel in order to bring it closer to shore so that the divers can gain better access inside while efforts continue to locate those missing persons.
Guyana has also received multiple offers of support from other allies, including China and several Caribbean Community (Caricom) member states.
Meanwhile, the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) also on Thursday extended heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Guyana following the tragic ferry disaster that has claimed numerous lives and left countless families and communities in mourning.
“The association expresses its deepest sympathy to the families who have lost loved ones, those anxiously awaiting news of relatives, and the many children, friends, and communities whose lives have been forever changed by this tragedy. While no words can ease such profound sorrow, CARILEC hopes that those affected will find strength in the love, compassion, and support surrounding them during this difficult time,” the missive detailed.
CARILEC too joined in recognising the tireless efforts of the emergency responders, law enforcement personnel, healthcare workers, volunteers, and everyone involved in the ongoing search, rescue, and recovery operations.
According to the Executive Director of CARILEC, Dr Cletus Bertin, “As an organisation founded on the principles of regional collaboration, mutual support, and service, we believe that the Caribbean is more than a collection of islands and nations; we are one community. In moments of triumph, we celebrate together, and in moments of tragedy, we stand together, sharing not only our solidarity but also our compassion, our prayers, and our unwavering support for one another.”
CARILEC is an association of over 100 energy solution providers, including the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc and other stakeholders operating in the electricity industry across the Caribbean.