-25 bodies recovered up to Wednesday
Assistant Superintendent of Police, Garfield Campbell, who heads the Guyana Police Force Marine Unit, on Wednesday evening said ranks had recovered 25 bodies since the search and recovery operation began following the MV Barima tragedy, describing the conditions at sea as extremely challenging.
In a video released by President Irfaan Ali, Campbell said the Police Force mobilized immediately after receiving word of the incident, deploying three boats from its Marine Headquarters in Georgetown while the Charity Police contributed two additional vessels.
“Since we would have received the call, we would have mobilized our ranks from the Guyana Police Force Marine Headquarters in Georgetown, where we deployed three boats, and we joined forces with the Charity police, where they have two boats, and we got into action immediately,” Campbell said.
He explained that rough seas made the operation difficult but said the ranks continued searching from morning until evening.
“It was not an easy task. It’s from morning to evening, water very rough. But with our dedication, we would have managed to recover a total of 25 bodies at different coordinates,” he said at the time.
According to Campbell, the Marine Unit frequently received reports from fishermen and private citizens over marine radio, directing officers to different locations where bodies had been spotted.
“Sometimes you would get a call by Channel 16 from fishermen, also other private persons, that the body [is] here. Immediately picking up that body, you get another call, another location, sometimes five miles off, six miles off, and the water was not easy,” he said.
Despite the conditions, Campbell said the operation remains ongoing.
“We managed, due to our dedication in serving the public of Guyana, and ensure that all citizens are being retrieved. We are doing that at this moment, and we will continue,” he added.
President Ali, who accompanied Campbell along with other officers in the video, said the operation has involved a wide cross-section of state agencies and volunteers working continuously since the tragedy.
“This is a collaborative effort, not just the Guyana Police Force, also the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, Civil Aviation, the private sector and others,” the President said.
He noted that personnel from the Ministry of Health, the military, regional authorities and volunteers have all been engaged in the search, recovery and support efforts.
“Hundreds, hundreds of officials and volunteers [are] working tirelessly. This is not an easy task. This is a tremendous tragedy,” Ali said.
The President said officials have also been helping to transport bodies and support grieving relatives while ensuring those who died are treated with dignity.
“Speaking to different stakeholders, we even have police, army officials, other health officials… helping to move the bodies, making this as easy and dignified as possible,” he said, noting that many had been working around the clock since the operation began.
During the exchange, Campbell said the Police Force currently has 48 personnel assigned to the operation, including eight initially deployed from Georgetown, additional ranks being mobilised, officers from Charity and trainees.
Ali said the Guyana Defence Force, Regional Democratic Council officials and other agencies have also been coordinating logistics to return the recovered bodies to their home villages and communities.
“So it’s a lot of coordination, a lot of work, tireless work,” the President said.
He assured the public that all agencies remain committed to supporting affected families.
“We’re not going to leave here until we offer the families as much comfort,” he said, adding that while misinformation has circulated on social media, the efforts of those involved in the operation deserve recognition.
The video was accompanied by a statement from the President in which he expressed gratitude to those involved in the search, rescue and recovery effort.
“I am extremely grateful for the extraordinary efforts of our men and women in uniform, who have spent the last several days and nights on the water carrying out the search, rescue, and recovery operations following the MV Barima tragedy,” he said.
“Their unwavering commitment, courage, and selfless service have been truly outstanding as we navigate this national tragedy.”
The MV Barima sunk on Saturday night hours after it left Port Georgetown for Port Kaituma.
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