Trinidad and Tobago has deployed its coast guard and a surveillance aircraft to Guyana to aid in the search and rescue operations following the sinking of the BV Barima in the Atlantic Ocean on Saturday night.

This was confirmed by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in an interview with I.A.N News.

“Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has confirmed to I.A.N News that Trinidad and Tobago has deployed Coast Guard search-and-rescue personnel and equipment, along with a TTDF C-26 search-and-rescue aircraft, to assist Guyana following the deadly sinking of a passenger ferry,” the report stated.

“Yes, the Coast Guard is sending search-and-rescue equipment and personnel,” the Prime Minister said.

She further confirmed that “a search-and-rescue C-26 aircraft is also being sent for aerial support” as authorities continue searching for survivors and those still missing.

This regional assistance follows the sinking the MV Barima late Saturday night. While some 67 have been rescued and the bodies of two so far recovered, dozens of passengers are still unaccounted for.

The exact number of missing persons remains unknown since the manifest was not accurate. Initially, it was reported that there were 116 passengers along with 17 crew members on board the vessel, which capsized shortly before midnight on Saturday.

But during a press briefing on Sunday evening, Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, revealed a number of the persons rescued were not even on the manifest.

The entire management team responsible for the loading, dispatch, and overall management of the MV Barima has been sent off from duty.

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