Trinidad and Tobago has deployed air and naval support, and a crew of 27, including seven divers, to assist in rescue and recovery efforts in Guyana, Defence Minister Wayne Sturge said yesterday.There has been an outpouring of support across the region following the tragic incident in which the MV Barima, carrying an estimated 179 people, capsized after it may have been struck by a large wave while travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, a small village in the Barima-Waini Administrative Region.While 67 people were rescued, dozens are feared dead including several children.The body of a two-year-old named Kelly Williams was retrieved yesterday.Grieving families have shared heartbreaking photographs of their relatives on social media.Many are still missing.Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar issued a statement on Sunday pledging Trinidad and Tobago’s support to Guyana and noting that assistance was being mobilised.In response to questions from the Express yesterday, Sturge said Trinidad and Tobago had deployed a C-26 aircraft for search and rescue operations.He said one of the country’s larger Damen vessels had also been deployed, carrying the Trinidad and Tobago dive teams to assist with search, rescue and recovery efforts.He said a crew departed Trinidad for Guyana on Sunday night.“I am saddened by the events and it is hoped that there is an in-depth investigation so that there is accountability as well as lessons learnt for the future,” he said.During a news conference on Sunday, Guyana’s Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips confirmed that Trinidad and Tobago was among the countries that had offered assistance in the aftermath of the tragedy.Phillips said regional offers of assistance were being assessed to determine what additional expertise and resources were required as rescue efforts intensified.A 15-member team from the French Armed Forces in French Guiana also arrived in Essequibo to assist with ongoing search, rescue and recovery operations.Led by Lieutenant Commander Alexis Touboul, the team comprises 12 specialist divers, two medics and one mechanic.Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, who cut short a visit to Canada on Sunday night, returned to Guyana and travelled to the Mabaruma Hospital, where he met with survivors and grieving families.‘One of the most painfulmoments in our history’In a video statement yesterday, Ali announced that an independent investigation would be launched into the incident and that he would also announce plans for a period of national mourning in the coming days.He described the tragedy as one that has “pierced the heart” of the nation, noting that families were waiting in anguish for news of their loved ones.“Communities are mourning. Across Guyana, our hearts are heavy as we confront one of the most painful moments in our history,” he said.Ali said all available resources were being mobilised and that Guyana was sparing no effort in the ongoing rescue and recovery mission.“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. I also assure the nation that there will be a full, thorough, and independent investigation into this tragedy. The families affected, and indeed the people of Guyana, deserve answers, deserve to know precisely what transpired, and whether any failures contributed to this heartbreaking event,” he said.He added, “We will pursue the truth with transparency, impartiality, and accountability. But 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. There will be a time for facts, for accountability, and for measured judgment.”Ali said that, at present, the collective responsibility was to save lives, comfort the grieving, support the traumatised, and stand with every family whose world had been turned upside down.Meeting with survivorsThroughout the country’s history, Guyanese have demonstrated extraordinary resilience in the face of tragedy, he said.He described his visit with survivors and affected families as a “deeply emotional experience”.Ali said the priority remained to save every life that still could be saved, support those who had endured unimaginable trauma and loss, comfort grieving families, and account for every person who remained missing.“Every minute matters, every life matters, and every possible resource is being mobilised in pursuit of this mission. I pay the highest tribute to the extraordinary men and women who responded immediately to this disaster,” he said.He recalled that, from the moment news of the tragedy reached his Government, a massive rescue effort had been launched with urgency and determination.The President commended all those involved in the operation, including the Prime Minister, Cabinet members, the Joint Services, emergency responders, regional officials, volunteers, fishermen, community members, religious leaders, Members of Parliament, the private sector, civil society and international partners.“We come together in unity, solidarity, and purpose as we undertake the mammoth task that still lies before us. In the coming hours and days, it is going to be a difficult period for us as a people and as a country. There are going to be long days ahead of us, difficult days from this tragedy,” he said.