Twenty-seven bodies have been recovered following the sinking of the MV Barima, while 83 people remain missing, Prime Minister Mark Phillips said during a press conference on Monday evening.
The number of rescued passengers and crew has increased from 67 to 69. Authorities are now working with an estimated total of 179 people aboard the ferry after reviewing CCTV footage, official records and information gathered following the incident.
Phillips stressed that the operation remains focused on search and rescue, with officials maintaining hope that additional survivors could be found.
The vessel has since been located on the seabed. OilNOW previously reported that a potential location was first identified by fisherman Haresh Singh and confirmed with support from other local and private-sector operators.
Fifteen divers provided by the French government have joined local teams at the site. Trinidad and Tobago has also offered additional search and diving support.
Phillips said technology provided through collaboration involving ExxonMobil and VEHSI was used to capture an underwater image of the ferry. The image was being enhanced to give response teams a clearer view of the vessel.
ExxonMobil had earlier deployed three vessels and a diving team to support the wider operation.
The Ministry of Health and Guyana Police Force have established protocols for recovering, transporting and identifying the bodies. Relatives will participate in identification procedures at the Suddie Public Hospital.
Family members from Port Kaituma and Mabaruma were also being transported to Region Two to assist with identifying those recovered.
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre will remain operational, with search-and-rescue activities continuing overnight. The government also reiterated that an investigation will be conducted into the cause of the incident and the operation of the ferry.
