Two missing after Molasses Barge sinks off East Coast
March 9 2026
A tanker barge transporting molasses sank early Monday morning off the East Coast of Demerara, leaving two crew members missing.
According to the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), a distress signal was received at approximately 01:00 hrs regarding the sinking of the tanker barge TRADER III, about 9.5 nautical miles off Buxton.
At the time of the incident, the vessel was transporting a cargo of molasses from Berbice to Georgetown.
Authorities said two crew members have been reported missing.
Following the distress call, emergency response operations were immediately activated to locate the missing individuals.
MARADβs Emergency Operations Coordinator, John Flores, is leading the search and rescue effort with support from the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard and the vesselβs owner.
Search operations are ongoing.
(File photo, not actual image)
