Ferry disaster off Guyana: Death toll rises to 41, around 83 people missing

The search for the missing off the Atlantic coast is continuing. According to Prime Minister Mark Phillips, 41 people have now been recovered dead. Around 83 other persons remain missing.

Government response and announced investigation

President Irfaan Ali said in a televised address: „Ich versichere der Nation, dass es eine umfassende, gründliche und unabhängige Untersuchung dieser Tragödie geben wird“. The government announced a comprehensive investigation into the disaster.

Boats, planes, and divers are involved in the search and rescue operations off the Atlantic coast. The emergency services are searching the body of water between Georgetown and Port Kaituma for survivors as well as for additional victims.

According to local media reports, the ship involved in the accident is the old ferry MV Barima, which regularly operates the route between Georgetown and Port Kaituma. Port Kaituma is a small village located on a river canal in Guyana's interior in the oil-rich Essequibo region near the border with Venezuela.

Port Kaituma and the Essequibo region

The accident has triggered dismay in the South American country. The crossing over the estuary of several large rivers is considered an important, but — due to strong currents and at times rough seas — also a risky connection between the coastal capital and the remote communities in the northwest.

The exact circumstances of the capsizing are still unclear. Investigators must clarify, among other things, why the ferry did not receive help quickly enough despite a distress call at night, how many people were actually on board, and whether the ship was adequately equipped for the number of passengers and the planned 24-hour journey.

This report was broadcast on 21.07.2026 on Deutschlandfunk. By evening (local time), 77 survivors had been rescued according to that report.

Search, international assistance, and consequences

The government is under pressure to quickly provide answers to the questions of the relatives. On social media, family members report that they have been waiting for news from relatives since the morning hours. Several clinics in Georgetown and in the Essequibo region prepared for the admission of additional injured persons.

International support has been offered. According to local media, neighboring states in the Caribbean are examining whether they can make ships or helicopters available for the search. Humanitarian organizations are also preparing relief supplies for the affected families.

The coming days are considered crucial for the search for the missing. Weather conditions and the currents in the mouth area of the Essequibo could, however, make the work more difficult. The authorities announced that they would regularly inform the public about new casualty figures and the progress of the investigation.