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The sinking of the MV Barima is a tragedy that should not have occurred
Dear Editor,
Over the past several decades, many who travelled this route have spoken of its dangers. More recently, questions have been raised about the safety, comfort, sanitary conditions of the vessel. Concerns were aired about discipline and professionalism of maritime crews, the state of disrepair of the wharves, stellings, gantries, loose planks, the sobriety of dock and vessel workers, the access to and availability of life safety devices, and the seaworthiness of vessel.
The attention to life and safety in Guyana once again takes centre stage. This tragedy follows the recent fire at Hope Children’s Home, where thankfully, no one died. It was also a mere three years ago that a fire ripped through the Girls Dorm at Madhia Secondary School, resulting in the deaths of twenty young girls.
From live feeds and reports on social media, we learn that:
- The seaworthiness of the MV Barima was questionable.
- The vessel was overloaded. It was stuck while moored prior to departure. It took approximately 45 minutes to one hour before it was unstuck. The mechanic on board was still working on a mechanical issue while the vessel made its way toward the Atlantic.
- The number of passengers on the vessel may have exceeded the 116 quoted by the authorities.
- Survivors linked the crew members to alcohol consumption during the voyage.
- Water entered the open hatch.
- The MV Barima capsized at approximately 10:20 p.m., some seven hours into its voyage.
- Timehri Air Traffic Control Tower claims to have received the distress call from the MV Barima at 11:01 p.m.
- It was not until approximately 5:00 a.m., or seven hours later, before the first rescue team arrived.
- The two newly acquired helicopters, a Bell 429 and a Bell 412, were not deployed in the rescue mission as both were down due to critical mechanical failures.
The MV Barima was built in 1939 and was 87 years old. It was too old to still be plying one of the most dangerous routes along what was once known as the Wild Coast.
In 2023, the MV Ma Lisha, costing US$12.7M, was commissioned. The Minister of Public Works announced that the MV Ma Lisha would replace the MV Barima and the MV Kimbia. The MV Barima continued to service the North West, Region 1 route.
In 2025, the Kallipoli N, a Greek Roll On Roll Off vessel, was acquired for the North West, Region 1 route. It has yet to make its maiden voyage.
In all of this, deeper socio-economic issues require attention. The people who ply this route are in the lower economic bracket. They do so only because there are no other viable or affordable alternatives. They are aware of the inherent dangers and the many tragedies of the past. They do so because they can transport their goods, produce and families with them.
The average trip costs between GY$2000 and GY$3000 per person.
The alternative is air travel from Ogle to Mabaruma, which is ten times the cost of travel by boat. A 45-minute flight costs GY$30,000 and has a baggage limit of 9 kg per person, making it unaffordable for the majority who need to make this regular trip.
The handling of this horrific tragedy and other similar past incidents cited earlier is deeply concerning. While much can be said, it is best ventilated at an inquest (free of politicisation) into the factors and root causes.
May God’s mercy be with those who are still lost at sea. May He console the families who have lost loved ones. May He heal this nation—Guyana—and raise up leaders whose ambitions are unity, social cohesion and improving the lives of all Guyanese.
Sincerely,
Jay Mobeen
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