—Prime Minister says some rescued individuals were not listed on the vessel’s official manifest as investigators examine possible safety breaches, crew conduct and negligence
The government has launched an urgent multi-agency investigation into the MV Barima tragedy after two rescued crew members tested positive for cannabis and authorities discovered that several rescued individuals were not listed on the vessel’s official passenger manifest.
The revelations were made on Sunday evening by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips during a national press conference, where he described the developments as “deeply concerning and shocking.”
Phillips said, “As rescue efforts progressed today, authorities discovered that a number of individuals who were rescued were not listed on the vessel’s official manifest.”
He further disclosed that two rescued crew members tested positive for cannabis during medical examinations carried out by healthcare personnel.
According to the Prime Minister, the findings have prompted the government to order a comprehensive investigation involving the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and other technical maritime experts.
The investigation, he said, will seek to establish all the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident, including the accuracy of the passenger manifest, the loading of passengers and cargo, compliance with maritime safety regulations, and the conduct of the captain and crew before and during the voyage.
Phillips warned that anyone found to have acted negligently or engaged in criminal wrongdoing would be held accountable.
“Let me be absolutely clear: where negligence, misconduct, or criminal wrongdoing is established, those responsible will face the full force of the law,” he declared.
“There will be no exemptions and no tolerance for actions that place innocent lives at risk.”
The Prime Minister also announced that the government is releasing the vessel’s official manifest, along with the names of those rescued and those who remain unaccounted for based on information currently available.
He said the lists will continue to be updated as authorities verify information emerging from the ongoing search and rescue operation.
Phillips reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting affected families and ensuring a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, while search and rescue efforts continue.
The Prime Minister expressed the government’s deepest condolences to the families of those affected and pledged continued support as the search and rescue operation and investigation proceed.
The MV Barima, a government-operated passenger and cargo ferry that provides weekly service to Guyana’s North West District, departed the Transport and Harbours Department’s Goods Wharf in Georgetown shortly after 3:00 p.m. on Saturday bound for Port Kaituma.
There were 133 people on board, including 116 passengers and 17 crew members.
Authorities said a distress call was received at 11:01 p.m., triggering a large-scale search and rescue operation involving the Guyana Defence Force, private vessels, aircraft and local fisherfolk.
Authorities have since confirmed that 67 people—41 men, 11 women and 15 children—have been rescued, while 66 others remain unaccounted for as the search and rescue operation continues.
According to the government, the MV Barima was last dry-docked in 2024 and remains within its required docking cycle.
The vessel is also operating with new engines and makes approximately three to four trips to Port Kaituma each month.
