Guyana boat disaster death count climbs to 41 as mourning period begins

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC): Officials in Guyana said Tuesday that fatalities from Saturday’s maritime disaster now stand at 41, after eight additional survivors were brought ashore. Rescue crews remain active along the Essequibo Coast, according to a government release.

By 2 p.m. local time, authorities had recovered 14 bodies and accounted for 77 people pulled from the water. Sixteen craft were operating around the wreck site as the search-and-rescue effort pressed on.

President Irfaan Ali on Monday declared a three-day period of national mourning starting July 22.

The government believes roughly 179 people were on the 87-year-old ship when it sank late Saturday night about 10 miles off the Essequibo Coast, among them 18 crew. The formal passenger list recorded 116 travellers and a crew of 17. Investigators have held the captain and one other crew member while they examine what caused the sinking.

“The designated search area has been expanded by an additional 400 square miles, extending up to Waini Point, to maximise the likelihood of locating any remaining persons,” the government statement said, noting that French and Guyanese divers were still working beneath the surface at the wreck.

“The identification of recovered bodies is currently being undertaken by family members at Suddie Hospital,” the statement read. Officials also directed that any remains found during rescue or recovery work be handed at once to the Guyana Police Force at the facility set up at Charity River Dam.

In the mourning proclamation, Ali said, “The tragic loss of lives, arising from the disaster involving the M.V. Barima has brought profound and widespread sorrow and immeasurable grief throughout our nation.

“At this time of deep national sadness, as we pause to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives, to stand with their families, to offer comfort to survivors, and to demonstrate our collective compassion and solidarity.”

He directed that throughout the mourning period, Guyana’s national flags be flown at half-mast on state buildings, public institutions, and other suitable sites nationwide in tribute to those who died.