Guyana Ferry Accident (July 2026)

The MV Barima ferry disaster, which occurred off the coast of Guyana, has been one of the maritime accidents experienced by the country. The state-operated ferry, which operated between Georgetown and the northwestern settlement of Port Kaituma, capsized off the Guyanese coast during the night of 19 July 2026. Although initial official reports stated that there were 116 passengers and 17 crew members on board, it was later determined that the total number of people on the vessel was 179, as many individuals not listed on the passenger manifest were found to have been aboard.

^{Guyana Feribot Kazası - 19 Temmuz 2026 (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Following the accident, the Guyanese government launched a large-scale search and rescue operation. The Guyana Defence Force, Coast Guard, local fishermen and private sector organizations participated in the search efforts, while energy companies and diving teams provided operational support. During the search activities, the location of the ferry on the seabed was identified, and rescue teams continued their operations across an area of approximately 1,040 square kilometres.

According to official statements, 27 bodies were recovered, 69 people were rescued alive, and 83 individuals were listed as missing. It was reported that rescue operations continued for several days after the incident.

Subsequent investigations revealed that the number of people on board the ferry was significantly higher than initially reported. Authorities announced that 32 of the rescued passengers were not listed on the official passenger manifest. This confirmed that unauthorized passengers had been transported and that the passenger manifest did not reflect the actual situation.

Guyana’s Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill stated that there had long been complaints that certain passengers at state-operated ferry terminals were being boarded without being officially recorded, in exchange for cash payments. Edghill characterized this practice as “an act constituting a crime” and noted that irregularities in the passenger registration system had complicated the determination of the disaster’s scale.

Initial investigations following the accident revealed that the ferry’s captain and at least one crew member tested positive for drugs. It was reported that police had found evidence that the detained personnel had used marijuana.

^{Guyana Feribot Kazası - 19 Temmuz 2026 (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill stated that a “zero tolerance” policy was enforced against alcohol or drug use by crew members on duty and emphasized that the captain’s test result was extremely serious. The crew’s negligence and possible lapses were subsequently included in the investigation.

Following the disaster, Guyana’s Prime Minister Mark Phillips announced that a comprehensive investigation had been launched to examine institutional failures. Phillips stated that legal action would be taken against any individuals or institutions found to have neglected their duties or engaged in misconduct.

Under the investigation, the sequence of events leading to the accident, the passenger registration system, operating conditions of the ferry, and safety procedures were thoroughly examined. Authorities announced that the investigation would be pursued in all its aspects to determine the causes of the disaster and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Following the accident, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali visited hospitals to meet with rescued passengers receiving treatment and families of the missing. Ali stated that the incident had caused widespread sorrow across the country and assured that all possible support would be provided to the victims.

In his statement, President Ali said he had listened to the grief of survivors and families who had lost loved ones and pledged that the government would implement all necessary practical assistance and relief measures. It was reported that psychological, health and social support services were also activated following the incident.