The search and rescue operation for victims of the MV Barima tragedy has officially come to an end, bringing the curtain down on more than two weeks of intensive efforts to locate survivors and recover victims.

Since the ferry capsized on July 18, rescuers saved more than 70 people, while the official death toll has risen to 73.

Authorities said five of the recovered bodies have yet to be identified, and more than 30 people remain unaccounted for.

Although active search operations have concluded, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) will remain operational.

Attention has now shifted to reviewing the national response to one of Guyana’s deadliest maritime disasters.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips on Tuesday attended an inter-agency meeting at the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) headquarters on Thomas Road as part of an after-action review of the government’s response to the incident.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Guyana Defence Force, including the Coast Guard and Air Corps, the Guyana Police Force, the Civil Defence Commission, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, the Maritime Administration Department, regional authorities and other government agencies.

Officials examined the coordinated response to the disaster and discussed measures to strengthen Guyana’s emergency preparedness and response to future maritime incidents.

The MV Barima tragedy has prompted widespread calls for greater accountability and improvements to the country’s maritime safety systems.

Investigations into the disaster are continuing, while the government has already announced a Commission of Inquiry and other measures aimed at strengthening oversight of the sector.