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Govt. backs down on Barima memorial plan
…now seeks bids to salvage sunken vessel
(Kaieteur News) – Mounting pressure from stakeholders across Guyana have forced the government to take steps towards salvaging the 87-year-old MV Barima that capsized and sank off the country’s coast on July 18.
The tragic incident has so far resulted in the loss of 73 lives, with at least 30 persons still missing. Government said that 77 persons were rescued, but one survivor subsequently died.
The Government of Guyana (GoG) was mulling the creation of a memorial site where the vessel sank to honour the lives of those who drowned but family members of the victims strongly condemned the idea, insisting instead that they prefer the “bones” or “dust” of their loved ones.
This sparked protest action last week with the joint opposition parties joining families in calling on the government to bring the vessel to shore. They believe salvaging the vessel may hold crucial evidence to the investigation into the tragedy.
The sunken MV Barima vessel.
On Saturday, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation issued a Request For Proposals (RFPs) to salvage the sunken MV Barima.
According to the document, the government is seeking qualified and experienced marine salvage contractors to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) to recover the vessel that is currently lying as a wreck, in soft mud, in water depths of about 13-15 meters (42-49 feet).
The RFP stated, “Visibility at the wreck site is poor and strong currents and tidal streams may be encountered at times, necessitating suitably robust procedures and equipment for sale operations.”
It explained that the MV Barima is a passenger and cargo ferry of approximately 38.6 meters length overall, 8.9 meters beam and 2.9 metres depth, registered in Georgetown, Guyana and fitted with twin Caterpillar C18 diesel main engines and Caterpillar diesel generator sets.
In its EOI, the contractor must propose methods and sequences for all stages of the operation. Additionally, the reputable salvage companies must have a proven track record of successful vessel salvage operations in Guyanese or wider Caribbean waters, particularly environments characterized by strong currents and restricted visibility.
MARAD stated that interested companies should submit the (1) corporate profile, including ownership, principal place of business and years of operation in marine salvage; (2) evidence of relevant experience over the last 5-10 years, including a track record of successful salvage operations in the region with a brief description of location, depth, vessel type and size, method used, and client references; (3) description of the proposed technical approach for the MV Barima salvage with emphasis on the measures to protect and document forensic evidence for use by the Commission of Inquiry and identify measures for protection of the environment.
Companies are also required to (4) outline key personnel and equipment to be deployed; (5) estimated timeline to commence and complete operations; (6) be able to stow the salvaged vessel upright on a barge for several weeks; confirm capacity to operate under “no cure, no pay” or other commercial agreements and finally submit statements regarding insurance coverage, health, safety and environmental management systems and compliance with Guyana’s maritime, procurement and occupational safety regulations.
EOIs should be submitted via email to procurement@marad.gov.gy by August 14, 2026. Government made it clear that proposals issued after this time may not be considered.
It explained, “Following review of EOIs, MARAD reserves the right to shortlist firms and issue a detailed Request for Proposals Tender Document, including technical specifications, site data, contractual conditions and commercial terms, to selected companies only.”
Further, the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation and MARAD stated that they do not bind themselves to accept any Expression of Interest and reserve the night to annul the process or re-advertise at their sole discretion.
The Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed first made a public appeal to the GoG to be given permission to raise the vessel at no expense to government, using the assistance of international experts.
Mohamed has critisised the administration, deeming any move to leave the vessel at the Atlantic Sea floor as “premature and wicked” and an “act of cruelty” to grieving families. “Families have reached out to me saying they want the bodies of their loved ones, even if all that remain are bones. It will bring closure,” Mohamed stated. “The government did not exhaust every possible option. They have not sought out international help with the expertise and equipment to recover that vessel. Yet, they are already talking about turning it into a memorial.”
Mohamed questioned the government’s transparency, alleging that authorities are attempting to cover up systemic negligence and safety breaches. He alleged that the MV Barima had been transporting construction materials and other cargo for big businessmen and those with major projects in Region 1, cargo that should otherwise have been transported by a barge. Furthermore, he cited details coming from the captain who was arrested and charged with murder, asserting that the vessel had no functioning emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), no search and rescue transponder (SART), an inoperable anchor, no operational radar, and life rafts that had been expired since 2022. He also claimed that one of the engines was down, emphasising that an overloaded vessel needs both engines, especially to navigate rough waters.
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Why not a LOCAL savaging company with highly qualified with Guyanese divers …not the shams from French Guyana, Tdad and Brazil?