Guyana has declared three days of national mourning as search and rescue efforts continue following the capsizing of the MV Barima off the country’s coast, with dozens of passengers still missing.
In an update on Tuesday, Guyana’s Prime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips, provided an update on rescue and recovery efforts since the 80-year-old passenger vessel capsized off the coast of Guyana on Saturday.
He noted that 179 passengers were confirmed to have been onboard the vessel at the time of the incident. To date, 77 persons have been rescued while 63 remain missing.
Prime Minister Phillips confirmed that the number of deaths stood at 41, 10 of whom have yet to be identified.
“We’ve been able to positively identify 23 bodies so far, and that is the state of things right now as it pertains to bodies. Over the last couple of hours or so, we’re still trying to receive any reports, and outside of that, we haven’t had an updated report saying that there are more bodies. So, 41 is the figure so far.”
Prime Minister Phillips, meanwhile, assured the public that no stone will be left unturned and that an inquiry into the tragedy will be launched.
“An incident of this nature will demand further investigations in the interest of transparency. Bringing closure to the family is not just recovering bodies and, you know, assisting them with burial. Everybody in Guyana will want to know what led to this incident, what may have been the causes of this incident, and Government is obligated to have an independent investigation done into this incident.”
Guyana’s President, Dr Irfaan Ali, has proclaimed three days of national mourning for the victims of the MV Barima tragedy.
From Wednesday, July 22nd, to Friday, July 24th, Guyana’s national flag will be flown at half-mast on Government buildings and other appropriate locations.
National days of prayer, remembrance and reflection will be held during that time.
Religious organisations, civic groups and citizens across Guyana are being encouraged to host candlelight vigils and moments of prayer during the mourning period.