🔥 Trending Guyana Ferry Disaster: What We Know So Far

Guyana Ferry Disaster: MV Barima Capsizes, Leaving Dozens Dead and Missing

On the night of Saturday, July 19, 2026, a passenger ferry named MV Barima capsized off the coast of Guyana, leading to a tragic disaster that resulted in numerous fatalities and missing persons ¹²⁴. The incident occurred near Iron Punt as the ferry was traveling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma ².

Vessel Details and Passenger Count

Conflicting reports emerged regarding the exact number of people on board the MV Barima. Initial reports indicated the ferry was carrying 116 passengers and crew ²⁸. However, other sources, including the Guyanese government, stated there were 133 people on board ³⁶⁷.

Casualties and Rescue Efforts

As of Monday, July 21, 2026, at least 27 bodies had been recovered from the capsized vessel ¹⁴⁶. Rescue operations were immediately launched following the disaster.

• Rescued: The number of rescued individuals also varied across reports. Some sources indicated 53 people were rescued ², while others cited 67, including 15 children ³⁷⁸. Prime Minister Mark Phillips stated that 69 people had been rescued ⁹¹⁰.
• Missing: Dozens of individuals remained missing, with estimates suggesting 83 people were unaccounted for ¹⁵¹⁰. Search and rescue operations continued for these missing persons ¹.

Investigation and Challenges

The precise cause of the capsizing was not immediately clear, and conflicting reports emerged ⁷. Investigations into potential negligence were underway ⁵. Rescue efforts were reportedly hampered by inaccuracies in the passenger list, making it difficult to ascertain the exact number of individuals on board and those still missing ⁵. Helicopters and boats were deployed to search a vast 1000-square-mile area ⁷. The MV Barima was on its way to a gold-mining outpost when the incident occurred ⁴.