Full Breakdown
MV Barima Ferry Disaster: Capsizing, Casualties, and Ongoing Investigation
7/22/2026, 12:01:52 PM
Core Event
The passenger ferry MV Barima left Georgetown for Port Kaituma on Saturday afternoon and capsized late that night off Guyana’s north-Atlantic coast. Authorities received a distress call shortly after 11 p.m. and launched a large-scale search involving the Guyana Defence Force, Coast Guard, air assets, private aircraft, fishing vessels and civilian volunteers. The vessel was carrying 179 people, although the official passenger manifest listed only 133.
Background & Context
The MV Barima was built in 1939 and was slated for major renovations in October because of known faults. Prior to the disaster, passengers had complained that ticket clerks at state-run ferry terminals sold seats “under the table,” resulting in incomplete passenger lists. The manifest discrepancy and alleged drug use by crew members have become focal points of the investigation.
Official Statements & Responses
Prime Minister Mark Phillips said the government has ordered an urgent, comprehensive investigation involving the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Maritime Administration Department and other technical maritime experts. Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill described the incident as the country’s worst maritime disaster in decades and announced that the captain and at least one crew member were taken into custody after testing positive for marijuana. He emphasized a “zero tolerance” policy for crew members who drink or smoke while on duty. Police have expanded the search area from 400 sq km to 1,070 sq km and deployed 16 vessels, including French and local divers.
Data & Statistics
- People on board: 179 (official count) vs. 133 listed on the manifest.
- Rescued: reports vary between 69, 77 and 83 survivors.
- Confirmed deaths: initially 27, later raised to 41.
- Missing: dozens remain unaccounted for.
Discrepancies in casualty figures reflect the evolving nature of the rescue effort.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am outraged. We are talking about operational breaches; people will be dealt with,” — Juan Edghill, Guyana’s minister of public works
- “The government has ordered an urgent and comprehensive investigation involving the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Maritime Administration Department, and other technical maritime experts,” — Mark Phillips, guyanese prime minister
- “God cleared the skies and saved us,” — Carlita
- “We have a zero tolerance for members of the crew drinking or smoking while at work. And for us to have positive tests from the captain, this is serious,” — Juan Edghill, Guyana’s minister of public works
