Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Overloaded Guyana Ferry Capsizes, 27 Dead, 69 Rescued, 83 Missing

7/22/2026

33 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

President Ali Responds

Authorities recovered 27 bodies and rescued 69 people after the MV Barima ferry capsized, leaving 83 still missing.
The ferry left Georgetown for Port Kaituma on July 19, 2026 with about 179 people aboard, far above the 133 on the manifest.
Investigators said 32 rescued passengers were not on the manifest, showing illegal overloading.
President Irfaan Ali visited survivors, pledged a transparent inquiry and ordered staff suspensions.

Summary

Trinidad & Tobago Assist

The search zone was enlarged from 400 km² to 1,070 km² as the operation progressed.
Trinidad and Tobago dispatched additional search-and-dive personnel to assist Guyana’s rescue effort.
The French military contributed 12 divers, two doctors and a mechanic from French Guiana.
Local fisherman Haresh Singh reported spotting the sunken MV Barima, a vessel built in 1939.
Officials said a large wave may have struck the ferry.

History

Historical Context

On 26 September 2002 the Senegalese ferry MV Le Joola capsized in rough seas, killing 1,864 people and leaving 64 survivors. The disaster highlighted the hazards of overloaded vessels, a risk that resurfaced in the 2026 MV Barima tragedy off Guyana. Both incidents underscore persistent safety challenges for regional passenger ferries.

1 of 3

President Ali Responds

Authorities recovered 27 bodies and rescued 69 people after the MV Barima ferry capsized, leaving 83 still missing.
The ferry left Georgetown for Port Kaituma on July 19, 2026 with about 179 people aboard, far above the 133 on the manifest.
Investigators said 32 rescued passengers were not on the manifest, showing illegal overloading.
President Irfaan Ali visited survivors, pledged a transparent inquiry and ordered staff suspensions.

1 / 3