Comprehensive probe underway as Captain, crew members test positive for cannabis; inaccuracies detected on passenger manifest

At approximately 3:15 p.m. on July 18, 2026, the MV Barimadeparted the Port of Georgetown bound for Port Kaituma.

According to the vessel’s manifest, there were 116 passengers, 17 crew members, and approximately 268 tonnes of cargo on board.

At approximately 11:00 p.m., the Timehri Control Tower received a distress signal from the vessel. Around the same time, voice messages were also received from several individuals on the vessel, who appeared to be in distress.

Immediately upon receiving this information, the Maritime Emergency Rescue Coordination Centre (MRRCC) was activated, and a full-scale search and rescue operation commenced. Marine and aviation assets from the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Coast Guard, other state agencies, and private sector partners were mobilised without delay.

The Guyana Coast Guard was deployed immediately and arrived in the vicinity of Iron Punt at approximately 2:30 a.m. Search and rescue efforts have remained continuous from the moment the distress alert was received.

As of midday today, July 19, 2026, 67 persons have been rescued. Preliminary reports indicate that the vessel capsized approximately seven miles offshore, in the vicinity of the Pomeroon River.

To provide assistance and support to affected families, the Government established Emergency Family Assistance Centres in Georgetown, Port Kaituma, and Mabaruma, where officials continue to provide updates, counselling, and other essential services.

As rescue efforts progressed today, authorities discovered that a number of individuals who were rescued were not listed on the vessel’s official manifest. Additionally, two rescued crew members tested positive for cannabis during medical examinations conducted by healthcare personnel.

These are deeply concerning and shocking developments.

Accordingly, the Government has ordered an urgent and comprehensive investigation involving the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), and other technical maritime experts.

The investigation will examine all of the facts and circumstances surrounding this tragedy, including the accuracy of the passenger manifest, the loading of passengers and cargo, compliance with maritime safety regulations, and the conduct of the captain and crew before and during the voyage.

Let me be absolutely clear: where negligence, misconduct, or criminal wrongdoing is established, those responsible will face the full force of the law. There will be no exceptions and no tolerance for actions that placed innocent lives at risk.

We are also releasing the vessel’s manifest, together with the names of those who have been rescued and the names of those who have tragically lost their lives, based on the information currently available. These lists will continue to be updated as verification efforts progress.

On behalf of the Government of Guyana, I extend our deepest condolences to the families who have suffered unimaginable loss, and I assure every affected family that this Government will continue to stand with you throughout this difficult period.