King Charles expresses sadness over 'appallingly tragic loss of life' after 100 feared dead in boat tragedy

King Charles has sent his sympathies to Guyana after a ferry tragedy left nearly 100 people dead.

The MV Barima - a passenger and cargo vessel - sank off the coast of Guyana on Saturday evening, in what has been described as the country's worst maritime disaster in history.

On Thursday, the death toll rose to 72, with officials fearing up to 100 may have been killed.

Of the estimated 179 people aboard, 76 people have been rescued.

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His Majesty, who hosted the President of Guyana at Buckingham Palace in January, took to social media to send his condolences for the tragic incident.

"My wife and I were most profoundly shocked and saddened to learn of the appallingly tragic loss of life following the capsizing of the M.V. Barima," the Monarch wrote.

"I retain the fondest memories of my visit to your beautiful country, so it is with particular sorrow that I write to convey our deepest possible sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the people of Guyana, and most especially to the families who have lost their loved ones.

"We also pay special tribute to the courage and dedication of the search and rescue teams who continue their efforts under such difficult circumstances.

"The people of Guyana remain very much in our hearts and our prayers at this time of deep anguish and loss."

Prime Minister Mark Phillips confirmed on Thursday that, in an attempt to find bodies that remain missing, crews have widened their search.

"The government of Guyana continues to stand in solidarity with all those affected during this difficult time and will ensure that every available resource is deployed until the operation is brought to a safe and dignified conclusion," he added.

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The vessel, which was not insured, departed the capital Georgetown on Saturday and was headed to Port Kaituma when it capsized off the Essequibo coast.

The cause of the tragedy is still unknown. Police have launched a criminal investigation, having detained three people so far, including the captain, who was rescued, and a crew member.

Divers from Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago are attempting to find the boat to inspect for any damage to understand the reason for its capsize.

King Charles's connection to Guyana began in 2000, when he visited the country as the Prince of Wales during his nine-day Caribbean tour.

There, the King visited some of the most impoverished regions of the South American country, as he walked through the Albouystown area of Georgetown.

And in 2026, after hosting President Irfaan Ali at the Palace, the connection between the two nations was furthered when the King's Foundation announced its collaboration with Guyana's government to advance sustainable development across the South American nation.

Central to the partnership is the Georgetown Urban Framework Plan, a significant initiative that aligns with Guyana's Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030.

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