MV Barima had lights on, tried to avoid collision

Oct 17, 2009 News

– Maritime Admin. Department

The MV Barima had all its lights on and the crew attempted to avoid colliding with the Trawler, Regina II, that was travelling on an irregular course at the time.

This is according to a statement by officials from the Maritime Administration Department, who revealed that the Guyana Police Force and the Transport Harbours Department are investigating the circumstances into Wednesday’s collision in the Atlantic, which led to the sinking of the Regina II.

The rescued seven-man crew of the Regina II had alleged that the MV Barima was unlit at the time and that the crew of the Port Kaituma-bound passenger vessel appeared to be unaware that they had struck the trawler.

They claimed that all of their belongings were lost.

According to the statement from the Maritime Administrative Department, the MV Barima, with 131 passengers and cargo, was making its fortnightly voyage to Port Kaituma at around 23:50 hrs when the mishap occurred.

“Initial reports indicate that the Regina II was seen by the Barima … on an irregular course converging on the Barima’s 340 degree course.

“In an effort to avoid a collision the Barima slowed from eleven knots to two knots and turned through 270 degrees to port. “Nevertheless, there was a collision,” the statement said.

“The sailors on watch on the Barima rendered assistance quickly to save all the occupants of the sinking Regina II along with some of their belongings.”

The statements added that first aid was provided to one of the rescued crew members who sustained an injury above his left eye, and they were also provided with meals.

The fishing vessel subsequently sank at around 00:30 hrs on Thursday.

According to the statement, “The MV Barima resumed course… to the north West District with its normal running lights—mast, starboard, port and stern on as before the incident…”

It added that the crew immediately reported by radio to the MV Kimbia. The passenger vessel then returned to Port Georgetown and to the lighthouse and to the Transport and Harbours management.

Those saved were trawler captain Junior George, Sean Primo, Ahmad Khan, Rudolph Powley, Sheldon and John Wickham, and Timol Wilson. Primo sustained a cut above his left eye during the ordeal.

Some of the victims alleged that the MV Barima continued on its way after hitting the trawler.

“After the big boat hit we, it looked like it was going to drive away. So even though we boat started to take in water we had to drive behind them, go up alongside and make them collect us one by one,” one passenger said.

“Is left they would ah left us and we would ah gone down with the boat.”

One trawler crew member alleged that the trawler was well lit but that the MV Barima was not. “We see the Barima coming towards us and we started to signal but nobody ain’t respond; then it hit we.”

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MV Barima had lights on, tried to avoid collision

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