Following the release of updated statistics confirming that 77 persons have been rescued from the MV Barima, which capsized on Saturday night, the Government of Guyana has clarified that the increase does not reflect any new rescues.
Instead, the revised figure resulted from a further verification of information received from multiple sources.
Following the initial search and rescue operations, it was reported that 67 persons were rescued and then on Monday, Prime Minister Mark Phillips disclosed that this number was revised to 69 after verification.
On Tuesday, the government issued another update, stating that the number of rescued persons now stands at 77.
In a subsequent statement, the government clarified that there were no new rescues.
“The adjustment mainly resulted from information being received from several different sources. As that information came in it was carefully reviewed and verified it to eliminate any duplication and provide a more accurate account of the number of persons rescued. Yesterday, the reported figure was 69. However, following further verification overnight, we were able to confirm that 77 persons who were on board the vessel had been rescued,” the statement explained.
Moreover, it added that this is a positive development. “Arriving at this figure required the examination of records and information submitted by all those involved in the operation,” the statement outlined.
In addition to the 77 persons rescued, the government reported that to update, 41 bodies have been recovered.
A total of 16 vessels is currently deployed within the wreckage area as part of the search and rescue operation. Additionally, French and local divers are continuing underwater search and recovery operations at the wreckage site.
The government is urging stakeholders involved in these efforts are advised that any bodies retrieved during search and rescue and/or recovery operations should be immediately transferred to the custody of the Guyana Police Force at the established facility at the Charity River Dam.
The identification of recovered bodies is currently being undertaken by family members at the Suddie Hospital.
Initially, it was reported that there were 116 passengers along with 17 crew members on board the vessel, but that figure was on Sunday night ruled as not precise by authorities, who disclosed that the manifest was inaccurate.
It is now estimated that the MV Barima had 179 occupants – inclusive of 18 crew members – when it went down.
Additionally, authorities immediately disclosed that two rescued crew members, including the vessel’s captain, tested positive for cannabis during medical examinations conducted by healthcare personnel.
Already, a probe has been launched, examining all of the facts and circumstances surrounding this tragedy, 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.
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