Twelve specialist divers are part of a 15-member team from the French Armed Forces in French Guiana that has arrived in Guyana to support search, rescue, and recovery operations for the MV Barima.
The French contingent, led by Lieutenant Commander Alexis Touboul, also includes two medics and a mechanic. These specialists have joined local teams at the wreckage site as the mission shifts into a full recovery mode.
The MV Barima, a passenger and cargo ferry, capsized approximately seven miles offshore near the mouth of the Pomeroon River on Saturday night.
At the time of the incident, the vessel was traveling from Georgetown to the North West District. While search and rescue operations remain ongoing, authorities have confirmed that 67 people have been rescued and ten individuals are deceased.
The Guyana Defence Force, Coast Guard, private vessels, and local fisherfolk have been working together to scour the area.
A significant breakthrough occurred on Monday afternoon when fisherman Haresh Singh, who had been assisting with rescue efforts, identified the potential location of the vessel. This location was further confirmed with the assistance of the privately owned vessel, Gilligan Island.
As the recovery process continues, the French Government’s support is proving vital to the local diving teams. Officials have stated that any recovered bodies will be transported to Charity for processing by police and health authorities. Relatives of the victims are being invited to the Suddie Hospital to assist with the identification of their loved ones.
