The search and recovery operation for victims of the MV Barima disaster has expanded into a multinational effort, with French Guiana and Trinidad and Tobago deploying specialist personnel to assist Guyana as authorities intensify efforts to recover victims from the sunken ferry.

The international support comes after the MV Barima was located on the seabed near the mouth of the Pomeroon River, where it capsized late Saturday night while travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma. The wreck was located with the assistance of a survey vessel owned by Sealand Surveys and operated by VEHSI, working in collaboration with ExxonMobil Guyana and local fisherman Haresh (Naresh) Singh, who first identified the vessel’s location.

The French Armed Forces stationed in French Guiana have dispatched a 15-member specialist team led by Lieutenant Commander Alexis Touboul. The contingent comprises 12 specialist divers, two medics and a mechanic, who have joined Guyanese authorities in underwater search, rescue and recovery operations.