Sunken MV Barima could cost US$10M to salvage — Nandlall

Aug 06, 2026 News

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(Kaieteur News) – Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC has revealed that the price tag to salvage the sunken MV Barima could be between US$8M and US$10M.

During his weekly programme ‘Issues in the News’, the Attorney General defended government’s move to tender for the salvage operation. Before it was decided to salvage the 87-year-old ferry which capsized on 18^th July leaving 73 confirmed dead and at least 30 still missing – the Irfaan Ali administration had been considering establishing a memorial at the site where the vessel sank.

“The president indicated that he met with the families of the persons who were missing and they requested that they ought not to be raised. Apparently, the families changed their minds and they requested that the boat be raised. The government said, okay, we will raise the boat. It will cost somewhere between 8 to 10 million US dollars. A tender is out to salvage the boat,” Nandlall said.

During his programme, the attorney general took aim at opposition politicians and accused them of exploiting the maritime tragedy for political gain. “I see the opposition politicians continue to exploit the MV Barima tragedy for their narrow political agendas…this tragedy has energised them. It has given them oxygen and they are using the grief and the anguish and the pain of people to advance political causes,” the attorney general stated.

He further argued that the opposition has continued to criticised the government’s actions despite its decision to proceed with salvaging the vessel.

“Now they have a problem with that. They are critical of that. If the government had gone and chosen some company to do the job, they would have said that government is handpicking some family or friend and they would be a cover up,” he said.

“Now the government has gone to open tender and that now they have a problem with the point I am making. No matter what is done, these people will not be satisfied because they don’t, they are not concerned about this tragedy and about the lives lost and about the suffering and pain and grief of anyone. That’s not what they are concerned about. They are concerned about milking this tragedy as much as they can to make as much political gains that they can make from this horrendous human tragedy,” Nandlall continued.

The government’s consideration of a memorial site where the vessel sank to honour the lives of those who drowned had 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.

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.”

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 characterised by strong currents and restricted visibility.

EOIs should be submitted via email to procurement@marad.gov.gy by 14^th August, 2026. Government made it clear that proposals issued after this time may not be considered. Notably, MARAD stated that it reserves the right to shortlist firms.

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.”

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• Anil Nandlall, MV Barima, salvage, sunken

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