MV Barima tragedy: Death toll rises to 72

July 23 2026

The death toll in the MV Barima tragedy has risen to 72 after two additional bodies were recovered during ongoing search and recovery operations on Thursday.

Providing an update, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips said 65 of the recovered victims have been positively identified by their families.

The large-scale operation remains active, with 19 vessels and three aircraft continuing to search the waters, including areas as far as Waini Point, in an effort to locate those still unaccounted for.

The Prime Minister also reminded the public that unauthorized drones are prohibited within the operational area, warning that they can interfere with the work of rescue and recovery teams.

Phillips noted that several victims were laid to rest on Thursday, with Government ministers and other officials attending funeral services in support of grieving families.

He assured the nation that the Government remains fully committed to the operation and is deploying every available resource to continue the search and recovery mission until all possible efforts have been exhausted.

(Team Mohameds photo)