King Charles III expressed deep sorrow after the passenger ferry M.V. Barima capsized off Guyana, a disaster that officials say has claimed 72 lives, 65 of whom have been identified. He sent condolences to President Irfaan Ali, praised the search-and-rescue teams, and offered sympathy to bereaved families. The message coincided with his and Queen Camilla's appearance at the Commonwealth Games opening in Glasgow, where the King also urged action on plastic pollution and protecting 30% of the world's oceans by 2030.
King Charles Expresses Deep Sorrow After M.V. Barima Ferry Disaster That Killed 72
The King issued a statement on the MV Barima tragedy (Getty Images)
The King has expressed profound shock and sadness following the capsizing of the passenger ferry M.V. Barima off the coast of Guyana, a disaster that officials say has claimed 72 lives.
The search and rescue mission for MV Barima continues (Anadolu via Getty Images)
In a message to President Irfaan Ali, whom he hosted at Buckingham Palace in January, King Charles III said he and Queen Camilla were "most profoundly shocked and saddened" by the "appallingly tragic loss of life" after the vessel sank on Saturday evening. The monarch recalled fond memories of his visit to Guyana and extended his deepest sympathy to the nation and especially to the families who have lost loved ones.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla wave after walking out of the TARDIS during the opening ceremony ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games (Getty Images)
"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 King wrote.
The King also paid tribute to the courage and dedication of the search-and-rescue teams continuing operations under difficult conditions. Guyana's Prime Minister, Mark Phillips, confirmed in an update on Thursday that 72 bodies have been recovered and that 65 have been positively identified by their families. He said the government remains committed to the ongoing rescue and recovery operation and urged the nation to "draw strength from faith, unity and compassion."
The King and Queen were joined by the Duke of Edinburgh (Getty Images)
Charles last visited Guyana in February 2000 when he was the Prince of Wales. His message of condolence arrived as he and Queen Camilla featured prominently at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The royal couple emerged from a TARDIS, the fictional time machine from Doctor Who, before taking their seats in the royal box alongside the Duke of Edinburgh.
Commonwealth Games Remarks
As head of the Commonwealth, the King formally opened the Games and praised the dedication and perseverance of the athletes. He used the platform to highlight an environmental message carried by the Games' relay: tackling plastic pollution that harms oceans and waterways and threatens human health. "Addressing plastic pollution complements the immense global efforts required to protect 30 per cent of the world's ocean by 2030," he said.
More than 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories will compete across 10 sports and six Para sports during the 11-day event.
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