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Acting Governor sends 'deepest condolences' to Guyana after deadly ferry disaster

- MV Barima death toll rises to 72 with many still missing
Acting Governor David D. Archer Jr, on behalf of the Virgin Islands, has extended 'deepest condolences' to the families, friends, and people of Guyana affected by the tragic sinking of the M/V Barima. Photo: Facebook
The MV Barima was carrying about 179 passengers from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, Region One, when it sank off the Essequibo coast late Saturday night, July 18, 2026. Photo: Facebook/File
The MV Barima was carrying about 179 passengers from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, Region One, when it sank off the Essequibo coast late Saturday night, July 18, 2026. Photo: Facebook/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Acting Governor David D. Archer Jr, on behalf of the Virgin Islands, has extended "deepest condolences" to the families, friends, and people of Guyana affected by the tragic sinking of the M/V Barima.

The MV Barima was carrying about 179 passengers from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, Region One, when it sank off the Essequibo coast late Saturday night, July 18, 2026.

Search and recovery operations continued through Thursday night, July 23, as specialist teams worked to reposition the wreck to allow divers to safely enter the vessel, while the death toll climbed to 72. 

76 people have been rescued, while recovery efforts continue for those still unaccounted for.

'Our thoughts & prayers' with Guyana- Acting Governor

"On behalf of the Virgin Islands Public Service, I extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and people of Guyana affected by the tragic sinking of the M/V Barima.

"Our thoughts and prayers remain with those mourning the loss of their loved ones, those awaiting news, and the survivors enduring this unimaginable tragedy. May you find strength, comfort, and unity during this profoundly difficult time," Mr Archer stated on July 23, 2026.

Mr Archer Jr is currently acting as Governor of the Virgin Islands from July 23 to August 3, 2026, while Governor Daniel Pruce is out of the territory.

8 Responses to “Acting Governor sends 'deepest condolences' to Guyana after deadly ferry disaster”

  • Real Mcoy (24/07/2026, 10:59) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Very sad indeed. I wonder what caused that vessel to sunk.
  • Really sad (24/07/2026, 11:51) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is so sad about that tragedy that took place. So many children lost their lives. I truly hope they find out what sank the ferry.
  • Nice (24/07/2026, 11:52) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    Our deputy Governor is a very good, kind, intelligent, smart and compassionate gentleman....Guyana Boat tragedy is really sad and messed...Take wrongful rusk everyday one day it will go wrong..its more than sad, very painful..
  • resident (24/07/2026, 12:28) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is so sad what happened in Guyana. That incident was so avoidable. According to the news that ferry was over 87 yrs old. The blame lies squarely with the leaders. Someone at some point should have said lets source a new ferry for the region. The journey it seems takes up to 12 hours. This boat was tired. This tragedy happens when leaders are self serving and have no interest in the people who elect them. All they are concerned about is a pay check. So sad that so many lives were lost. Children who will never get a chance to finish school and grow up. Sad sad sad. A real travesty.
    • Never voted (25/07/2026, 14:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You sound very upset in your head and where you going with the conversation you did not say what you really wanted to say,,, people like you is what cause this whole tragedy because all ayo can do is take brive, I .
  • Karnage (24/07/2026, 14:06) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Horrible tragedy. RIP
  • safety first (24/07/2026, 14:13) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    YES THE VESSEL HAD SOME AGE ON IT BUT WE BLACK PEOPLE HAVE A SERIOUS PROBLEM GOING ON OVERLOADED VESSELS AND BUSES WITH PASSENGERS AND CARGO FILLED TO THE BRIM AND WHEN TRAGEDY STRUCK WE LEFT TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE CAUSE WAS.
    MOST TIMES THAT’S THE MAIN CAUSE, TOO MUCH PEOPLE AND CARGO.
    AFRICANS, HAITIANS, CUBANS, GUYANESE AND OTHER CARIBBEAN ISLANDS DO THIS FOOLISHNESS AND THE SAD PART THEY TAKE CHILDREN ALONG CAUSING THEM TO LOSE THEIR LIVES AS WELL WHICH IS SO SAD.
    USE COMMON SENSE WHAT GOD GIVE US ALL TO PREVENT TRAGEDY LIKE THIS FROM HAPPENING.
    ANOTHER THING WE NEED TO DO AS BLACK PEOPLE IS FOLLOW RULES AND LAWS WHICH A LOT OF US HAVE ISSUES WITH AND WHEN WE DON’T ABIDE, IT CAUSE US TREMENDOUSLY.

  • Really sad (24/07/2026, 18:00) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    My heart akes.


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