Authorities initially reported that 133 people were on board, including 116 passengers and 17 crew members. However, after reviewing terminal recordings, they determined that as many as 179 people may have been on board, some of whom were apparently not included in the official manifest.
As of Wednesday, July 22, the number of bodies recovered had risen to 57. Of the victims found, 44 had been identified by their families and 18 bodies had already been released for funeral arrangements. Guyana Chronicle
Authorities had previously reported locating 77 survivors, while efforts continued to find those still missing. Guyana Department of Public Information
The search operation continues
The operation involves 19 vessels and two aircraft, in addition to local teams and international support. Members of the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and the Brazilian Navy have joined the search and recovery efforts.
Technical teams are also studying how to right the ferry to facilitate divers’ access to the interior. Authorities are continuing the operation while they try to confirm the exact number of people who were on board.
The causes remain under investigation
The Guyanese government has ordered an urgent investigation to determine what caused the accident. Initial survivors mentioned difficulties related to tidal conditions, but there is still no official conclusion on the cause of the shipwreck.
Authorities are also investigating why some passengers were apparently not listed on the ship’s official manifest. The discrepancy between the manifest and the actual number of people on board has made it difficult to determine how many passengers remain missing.
The MV Barima was a vessel used to transport passengers and supplies to communities in northwestern Guyana. According to authorities, it was equipped with life jackets and emergency rafts.
As the recovery of the victims continues, families await news of their loved ones. The government has requested that the public refrain from sharing graphic photographs and unconfirmed information during one of the worst recent maritime tragedies in the country.
