THE MV BARIMA – a Mercy Ship in 1964

Dear Editor,
The passenger ferry MV Barima capsized and sank off Guyana’s Atlantic coast on July 18, 2026, while on its scheduled voyage from Georgetown to Port Kaituma. Approximately 179 people were reported to be on board. The tragedy claimed many lives, while others were rescued, and an official investigation continues into the cause of the disaster.
The MV Barima was far more than a passenger vessel. It was one of Guyana’s most recognisable ferries, serving generations of Guyanese for decades. Built in Scotland in 1939, she arrived in what was then British Guiana at the close of the steamship era, becoming one of the country’s earliest diesel-powered passenger ferries.
She first operated on the Demerara River crossing before being assigned to the coastal and riverine service between Georgetown and Port Kaituma, carrying passengers, cargo, and hope to communities in the North West District.
Port Kaituma itself occupies an important place in history. It is best known internationally as the community nearest to Jonestown, where on November 18, 1978, US Congressman Leo Ryan, members of his delegation, and others were murdered at the nearby airstrip, followed by the tragic Jonestown mass murder-suicide of 914 souls.
Three years ago, my dear brother-in-law, Alan, lost his life while working on the Port Kaituma trail. That personal loss makes this latest tragedy even more heart-breaking for my family.
Long before the events of July 18, 2026, the MV Barima had already earned a place of honour in Guyana’s history. During the horrific violence of May 1964, when racial and political hatred engulfed Wismar and Mackenzie, thousands of East Indian residents were forced to flee for their lives as homes were burnt, families were attacked, and entire communities were driven out.
In those dark days, the MV Barima, together with the RH Carr, the Emperor, launches, speedboats, and numerous privately owned vessels, became a fleet of mercy. They transported thousands of terrified men, women, and children from the violence to safety. For many survivors, the MV Barima was not simply a ferry; it was a lifeline, a vessel of compassion amid one of the darkest chapters in Guyana’s history.
After an extraordinary 87 years of service, the old ferry had endured the passage of time remarkably well. In 2017, it underwent a major rehabilitation valued at approximately GY$150.6 million. The extensive work included repairs to the hull, propellers, rudders, twin engines, passenger accommodations, and safety equipment, allowing the vessel to continue serving as the principal ferry on the Georgetown–Port Kaituma route.
Today, that proud vessel rests approximately 50 feet beneath the Atlantic waters off the coast of Guyana. Her final voyage ended before reaching its destination, and many of those aboard never returned home.
The time for answers will come. For now, the priority remains recovery and bringing closure to grieving families. In due course, the vessel should be refloated and subjected to a thorough, independent forensic examination to determine the cause of this tragedy.
The families deserve to know what happened. The people of Guyana deserve those answers as well. Only a transparent and impartial investigation can help ensure accountability, restore public confidence, and provide lessons that may prevent such a disaster from ever happening again.
May those who perished rest in eternal peace, and may those who survived find strength, healing, and comfort in the days ahead. May the truth behind this tragedy be uncovered, and may the question of why it happened one day be answered.
Above all, may the memories of those who were lost never fade. May their names and faces be forever etched in stone, in our hearts, and in the living history of Guyana so that they will always be remembered with honour, dignity, and love.

Yours sincerely,
Dmitri Allicock