Dozens Missing in Guyana Ferry Disaster
Rescue and recovery teams continued searching after the Guyanese ferry MV Barima capsized off the Essequibo coast late on July 18, 2026; 76 people have been rescued but the death toll rose to 72 as of July 23, and many remain unaccounted for. Acting Governor of the Virgin Islands, Mr Archer Jr, sent condolences to those affected as specialist teams worked to reposition the wreck so divers could safely enter the vessel, officials reported.
Rescue teams continued to search for victims after the Guyanese ferry MV Barima capsized off the Essequibo coast late on Saturday night, July 18, 2026, leaving dozens dead and many more unaccounted for. The 40-metre vessel, built in 1939, had departed Georgetown bound for Port Kaituma and was reportedly carrying about 179 people — far more than the manifest listed, authorities said.
A distress call was recorded at 23:01 local time the night the ship went down, prompting a large search operation. Survivors described the ferry tilting after being hit by a large wave and taking on water within seconds. Elena Moonsammy, a survivor, told local media she survived by clinging to a floating box and that she was separated from her two-year-old child.
At least 15 children were among those rescued. Small privately owned boats played a key role in the initial rescue, pulling at least 17 survivors from the sea, while the French army sent divers and medical personnel from nearby French Guiana to assist the operation. By Tuesday night 76 people had been rescued alive, but search and recovery continued over the following days as authorities worked to locate those still missing.
Officials reported that, as specialist teams worked through Thursday night, July 23, they were repositioning the wreck to allow divers to safely enter the vessel. The death toll climbed to 72 on July 23 while recovery efforts continued, according to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO).
Guyanese authorities say 179 people were on board, compared with 116 passengers and 17 crew listed on the manifest, and investigators are probing what caused the Barima to capsize. Guyana’s Prime Minister Mark Phillips warned that "where negligence, misconduct or criminal wrongdoing is established, those responsible will face the full force of the law," and investigators have been focusing on possible safety and operational failings.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill expressed anger after drug tests on two crew members reportedly returned positive for cannabis, saying the government has "zero tolerance for members of the crew drinking or smoking while at work." Reports say the vessel’s captain and a crew member are in custody following the tests.
The acting Governor of the Virgin Islands, Mr Archer Jr, expressed condolences on behalf of the Virgin Islands Public Service, saying "our thoughts and prayers remain with those mourning the loss of their loved ones, those awaiting news, and the survivors enduring this unimaginable tragedy," VINO reported.
Mr Archer Jr is serving as acting governor from July 23 to August 3 while Governor Daniel Pruce is out of the territory. The sinking of the Barima has resonated across the Caribbean, including in the British Virgin Islands where seafaring is central to daily life and tourism. The tragedy highlights regional concerns about accurate passenger manifests, safety inspections — especially for ageing vessels — strict enforcement of crew sobriety and drug policies, and the preparedness of coordinated maritime search-and-rescue services.
Community first-responder training and clear communication channels were again shown to be vital during maritime emergencies. As Guyanese investigators continue their work and recovery teams try to access the vessel, families and communities in Guyana and across the region remain focused on finding answers and preventing similar disasters in the future.
Primary source: VINO