GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — Search, rescue and recovery operations following the capsizing of the MV Barima have intensified with the arrival of maritime assets and personnel from the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and the Brazilian Navy.

The foreign teams have joined the Guyana-led operation, providing support for diving missions and other specialised recovery efforts at the site of the disaster.

Authorities say 19 vessels and three aircraft are now involved in the operation. Smaller vessels from the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration Department have also been deployed to search inland waterways for any remaining passengers.

Technical teams continue assessing the overturned vessel to determine the safest way to right it and improve access for divers. The recovery plan involves repositioning the wreck before attaching maritime salvage airbags to restore buoyancy. Once refloated, the vessel will be towed closer to shore to allow for continued search and recovery operations.

Three additional bodies were recovered since the previous official update, bringing the number recovered on Wednesday to five. The overall death toll now stands at 65.

Officials said relatives have positively identified 44 victims, while 23 bodies have already been released to their families for burial. The number of survivors remains unchanged at 76.

Regional authorities and the Ministry of Health continue to work with grieving families to facilitate identification and the release of victims.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has declared three days of national mourning in honour of those who lost their lives in the tragedy.

National flags are being flown at half-mast throughout the mourning period.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Guyanese gathered Wednesday evening at the Kingston Seawall Bandstand in Georgetown for a National Interfaith Prayer Service to remember the victims and support survivors and their families.

Among those attending were Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, Cabinet ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, religious leaders, members of the disciplined services, indigenous leaders and citizens from across the country.

Addressing the gathering, Phillips described the sinking of the MV Barima as one of the darkest moments in Guyana’s recent history.

He extended condolences on behalf of Ali, the Government and the people of Guyana, telling grieving families they would not face the difficult days ahead alone.

The prime minister also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the ongoing recovery effort and praised the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, Guyana Police Force, medical personnel, divers, local fishermen, volunteers and private sector partners for their dedication since the disaster.

Additional memorial events are scheduled with a night of reflection and prayer to be held in Port Kaituma on Thursday and in Mabaruma on Friday.

The Government said every available resource will continue to be deployed until the recovery operation is complete, while support remains in place for the families affected by the tragedy.