77 survivors found, 41 bodies recovered as government continues MV Barima search efforts

What this source establishes

A DPI update that revises the complement from 133 to 179, discloses that the captain and a crew member tested positive for cannabis, and confirms both were arrested. It states 'This remains a search and rescue operation' with 41 bodies already recovered. It commits the government to a full, transparent inquiry and states that manifest discrepancies were 'promptly disclosed'. It records that bodies were ordered transferred immediately into Guyana Police Force custody at Charity River Dam.

Official statement recorded in this source

"This remains a search and rescue operation"; investigations established 179 people were aboard the vessel; captain and crew member tested positive for cannabis and both were arrested.

Figures cited in this source

77 people found/rescued; 41 bodies recovered; 179 people aboard the vessel

Key claims

• 77 people have been found and 41 bodies recovered as of July 22.
• "Search and Rescue/Recovery operations remain ongoing, with 16 vessels deployed within the wreckage area."
• The designated search area expanded by 400 square miles, extending to Waini Point.
• As of 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre confirmed 77 people rescued.
• French and local divers continued underwater operations at the wreckage site.
• Body identification was undertaken by family members at Suddie Hospital; recovered bodies to be immediately transferred to Guyana Police Force custody at Charity River Dam.
• PM Phillips: "This remains a search and rescue operation."
• The Prime Minister announced that investigations established 179 people were aboard the vessel.
• Blood tests on the captain and crew member tested positive for cannabis; both were arrested after results were immediately released.
• The government committed to a full, transparent inquiry into the capsizing's cause.

Quotations

• “This remains a search and rescue operation”— Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips, Prime Minister
• “Search and Rescue/Recovery operations remain ongoing, with 16 vessels deployed within the wreckage area”— Government of Guyana statement

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