Barima, one of the country’s deadliest maritime disasters in recent history. President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali ordered flags to be flown at half-mast from 22 to 24 July in honour of the victims.
The passenger and cargo ferry overturned on 18 July while travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma. Authorities estimate that approximately 179 people were on board when the vessel capsized off Guyana’s coast.
As of 23 July, officials said 65 bodies had been recovered and 76 people rescued. Search and recovery operations are continuing with assistance from the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and the Brazilian Navy. A total of 16 vessels have been deployed in the search effort as crews continue to comb the expanded search area.
Police have arrested the ferry’s captain and at least one other crew member after they tested positive for marijuana as investigations into the disaster continue.
A National Day of Prayer was held in Georgetown, with additional remembrance services in Port Kaituma and Mabaruma. President Ali also met with survivors, victims’ families and relatives of those still missing, offering condolences and support during the national mourning period.
President Ali said a full investigation is underway to determine the cause of the tragedy, stressing that it remains unknown and that the people of Guyana deserve to know the truth about what happened. He added that the government is committed to ensuring a thorough and transparent investigation.
President Ali said the tragedy had brought “profound and widespread sorrow” to the nation as communities across Guyana continue to grieve.
