53 rescued as gov't leads extensive search operation following MV Barima capsizing

What this source establishes

The state's earliest full account of the disaster, against which later official revisions can be compared. It fixes the official complement at 116 passengers and 17 crew, activation of the National Search and Rescue Coordination Centre 'shortly after 11:00 p.m.' Saturday, and 53 confirmed rescues. It states that T&HD staff were providing families verified updates 'using the vessel's manifest', the same manifest the government later said was unreliable. It also records the full Cabinet activation and the ministerial division of labour.

Official statement recorded in this source

"The search not only is expanded but is ongoing as I speak. Our effort is aimed at rescuing everybody who was on board that ferry." — PM Mark Phillips

Figures cited in this source

116 passengers and 17 crew members on board (133 total); 53 passengers confirmed rescued

Key claims

• The MV Barima capsized off the coast of Region Two late Saturday while travelling to Port Kaituma, Region One, with 116 passengers and 17 crew members on board.
• PM Phillips: "As at this time, we've rescued, confirmed the rescue of 53 passengers from the ferry."
• Minister Edghill said the National Search and Rescue Coordination Centre was activated shortly after 11:00 p.m. on Saturday.
• Edghill described a "massive response" involving both state and private sector resources.
• GDF Coast Guard, MARAD, private coastal vessels and aviation assets deployed.
• Three information centres established: Umana Yana Georgetown (658-2050), Port Kaituma Community Centre (662-3577), NAREI Extension Centre Kumaka (769-3541).
• T&HD personnel stationed at the centres to provide verified updates to relatives using the vessel's manifest.
• Minister Kwame McCoy: "We could only share verified information with you at this time."

Quotations

• “As at this time, we've rescued, confirmed the rescue of 53 passengers from the ferry, and efforts are ongoing to rescue the additional passengers who are on the ferry”— Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips, Prime Minister
• “The search not only is expanded but is ongoing as I speak. Our effort is aimed at rescuing everybody who was on board that ferry”— Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips, Prime Minister
• “All the stakeholders were engaged, and there has been a massive response”— Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works
• “We could only share verified information with you at this time”— Kwame McCoy, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister

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