Recovery operation enters critical phase as search continues for MV Barima victims

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Thursday evening met with the families of those still awaiting word on their loved ones following the MV Barima tragedy, providing an update on the ongoing search, rescue and recovery operation as authorities continue efforts to access the submerged vessel.

Addressing relatives, the president said teams encountered significant challenges during Thursday’s operation, with difficult underwater conditions affecting divers engaged in the recovery effort.

“Earlier today, in our attempt to move the wreck, we had some challenges for us. With the divers going down all the time, we have a number of divers who got sick. So a number of divers had to come back in,” President Ali explained.

Despite the setbacks, he noted that divers had completed enough work to allow operations to continue.

If efforts to reposition the vessel overnight do not produce the desired outcome, divers will return early Friday morning to attempt to enter the wreck and remove additional obstructions.

The head of state also informed families that authorities remain focused on recovering those still unaccounted for while carefully considering every available option.

He explained that, if necessary, a full salvage of the vessel may eventually have to be undertaken, although officials hope to avoid that step because of the challenges it presents.

“The only other option after that, which we don’t want to get to… will have to be discussed with family members, is to try for a full salvage of the vessel… We are hopeful that we don’t get to that,” the president stated.

He further explained that movement achieved during Thursday’s operation has raised hopes that anything trapped within or beneath the vessel could surface overnight.

As a precaution, the Guyana Coast Guard will maintain a continuous presence around the site with a recovery network in place.

Families were advised that another update would be provided after crews assess the outcome of Friday morning’s operation.

Following the briefing, President Ali joined relatives in prayer, seeking protection for the divers and emergency personnel, comfort for grieving families, and wisdom as recovery efforts continue.

DPI