The Government of Guyana has ordered a full, independent investigation into the sinking of the MV Barima, as authorities continue an around-the-clock rescue and recovery operation to account for every passenger aboard one of the country's worst maritime disasters.

Addressing the nation on Monday, President Dr Irfaan Ali said the Government's immediate focus remains on saving lives and supporting survivors and grieving families, but that an independent probe would be launched to determine what led to the vessel's sinking and whether any failures contributed to the tragedy.

"I also assure the nation that there will be a full, thorough and independent investigation into this tragedy," Ali said. "The families affected, and indeed the people of Guyana, deserve answers. They deserve to know precisely what transpired and whether any failures contributed to this heartbreaking event. We will pursue the truth with transparency, impartiality and accountability," he added.

The announcement came as rescue teams continued searching for passengers who remain unaccounted for following the incident, which has sent shockwaves across the country. Ali described the disaster as one that has "pierced the heart of our nation", saying Guyana has been plunged into a tragedy of immense proportions, with families anxiously awaiting news of loved ones while communities across the country mourn.

Earlier in the day, Ali visited survivors receiving medical care, as well as relatives of missing passengers in Port Kaituma and Mabaruma. He also met patients at the Mabaruma Regional Hospital, where he said he listened to first-hand accounts of the tragedy and assured those affected that the Government would provide every possible form of support.

"Our priority remains to protect every life that still can be saved, to support those who have endured unimaginable trauma and loss, to comfort grieving families, and to account for every person who remains unaccounted for," he said. "Every minute matters. Every life matters."

Ali said every available national resource has been mobilised as part of a massive rescue effort involving Government agencies, the Joint Services, emergency responders, regional officials, volunteers, fishermen, religious organisations, Members of Parliament, private sector representatives, civil society groups and international partners.

"I wish to assure every citizen that we are sparing no effort in this ongoing rescue and recovery mission," he said. "Every available asset is being deployed. Every agency is working around the clock. We will continue this effort with determination and resolve until every possible avenue has been exhausted."

The President also praised the hundreds of individuals involved in the emergency response, commending their courage and selflessness, and described the response as a truly national effort during a time of profound national anguish.

While committing to a transparent investigation, Ali cautioned against speculation or attempts to politicise the disaster before investigators establish the facts.

"Now is not the time for speculation. It is not the time to cast aspersions or to politicise a tragedy that has brought such unspeakable pain to so many," he said. "There will be a time for facts, for accountability and for measured judgement.

Today, however, our collective responsibility is to save lives, to comfort the grieving, to support the traumatised and to stand with every family whose world has been turned upside down."

Ali called on Guyanese to remain united and support victims' families and rescue personnel, and announced that the Government would declare an official period of national mourning in honour of those affected.

The Government has not yet announced who will lead the independent investigation or when its findings are expected to be made public. The rescue and recovery operation remains ongoing as authorities continue efforts to locate everyone who was aboard the MV Barima.