The death toll from the MV Barima tragedy in Guyana has climbed to 72 after two additional bodies were recovered on Thursday, as search and recovery efforts entered another day.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips said during a media briefing that 65 of the recovered victims have now been identified by their families, while teams continue searching for those still unaccounted for.

He said technical teams are also working to reposition the MV Barima as part of the ongoing recovery operation.

According to the prime minister, 22 assets — including 19 vessels and three aircraft — remain deployed, with aerial searches covering an area of about 2,100 square kilometres, extending as far as Waini Point.

Phillips also warned the public not to fly unauthorised drones in the search zone, saying they pose a danger to aircraft involved in the operation.

“The operation of unauthorised drones within the airspace of the search area is strictly prohibited, as they pose a significant hazard to aircraft conducting critical aerial search operations,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works has introduced a temporary cargo service to ensure essential supplies continue reaching Port Kaituma while regular transport remains disrupted.

Under the interim arrangement, an open barge will be used solely to transport cargo, with no passengers permitted on board.

Cargo loading is scheduled to begin on Saturday, July 25, at the Kingston Goods Wharf, with the vessel set to depart Georgetown for Port Kaituma on Monday, July 27, at 5 pm.

The ministry is advising businesses and residents to properly secure weather-sensitive items, as the cargo will be exposed to the elements during transport.

The temporary cargo service will be provided free of charge until normal shipping operations resume, with the government saying the measure is intended to maintain the flow of essential goods to the Region One community.