MV Barima tradgedy: Death toll Rises to 41
July 21 2026
The death toll in the MV Barima tragedy has climbed to 41 as search and rescue/recovery operations continue off the Essequibo Coast.
In its latest update issued Tuesday, the Government of Guyana said a total of 77 people have been rescued, while 41 bodies have now been recovered.
According to the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), the first body for the day was recovered at approximately 10:15 a.m., and by 1:00 p.m., 14 bodies had been retrieved during Tuesday’s operations.
Authorities said 16 vessels are currently deployed within the wreckage area, while the designated search zone has been expanded by an additional 400 square miles, extending as far as Waini Point, in an effort to locate any remaining missing persons.
French and local divers continue to conduct underwater search and recovery operations at the wreckage site.
The Government said family members are identifying recovered bodies at the Suddie Hospital.
Officials have also instructed all stakeholders involved in the operation that any bodies recovered during search and rescue or recovery efforts must be immediately handed over to the Guyana Police Force at the established facility at the Charity River Dam.
The MV Barima sank on Saturday while travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, triggering one of Guyana’s largest maritime search and recovery operations in recent history.
