Technical teams are preparing to refloat the MV Barima and tow it closer to shore as the number of bodies recovered from the ferry disaster increased to 65, the Guyana government said on Wednesday.
The proposed operation involves repositioning the capsized vessel and installing maritime salvage airbags, also known as buoyancy balloons, around the wreckage. The airbags would restore buoyancy, allowing the ferry to be moved closer to shore and providing divers with improved access.
Three additional bodies were recovered after the government’s earlier update, bringing Wednesday’s total to five. Of the 65 bodies recovered since operations began, 44 had been positively identified and 23 released to their families.
The number of rescued passengers and crew remained unchanged at 76. OilNOW reported on Tuesday that 53 bodies had been recovered and no survivors were found during the initial underwater search of the wreckage.
Maritime personnel from the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and Brazilian Navy have now arrived at the incident site. Their teams joined French and local divers supporting underwater searches and specialised recovery activities.
A total of 19 vessels and three aircraft are involved. The Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard and Maritime Administration Department have also deployed smaller boats to search areas further inland.
President Irfaan Ali separately highlighted the round-the-clock work of police, defence, health, regional and private-sector personnel. He said the government would continue supporting affected families and working to ensure the deceased are returned to their communities with dignity.
Guyana is observing three days of national mourning, with flags flown at half-mast. Prayer and reflection services were also scheduled for Port Kaituma on Thursday and Mabaruma on Friday.
Also see: Guyana opposition parties call for independent probe, maritime reforms as MV Barima death toll rises
