Barima COI opens, as salvage questions linger

Sep 03, 2026 News

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…survivors, families, public urged to come forward ahead of hearings

(Kaieteur News) – The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the disastrous capsizing and sinking of the M/V Barima has formally opened its doors to the public, inviting survivors, victims’ families, civil society and others with relevant information to submit evidence as preparations intensify for public hearings later this month.

However, while the five-member commission has reported significant progress in establishing its procedures, securing a venue and gathering technical and witness information, there was no update in its latest statement on the government’s separate efforts to salvage the 87-year-old vessel from the seabed.

The commission, established by President Irfaan Ali under Section 2 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, Chapter 19:03, is chaired by Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith and includes Commissioners Dr. Andrzej Jasionowski, Captain Hamada Fouda, Nyree Dawn Alfonso and Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Hayden Pritchard.

According to a public notice issued by Commission Secretary Javed Shadick, the inquiry is mandated to conduct a “thorough, independent, impartial and comprehensive public inquiry” into the circumstances surrounding the capsizing and sinking of the M/V Barima, the loss of life, the response to the disaster and all matters reasonably connected to it.

The commission said its work will go beyond determining the immediate technical causes of the disaster, extending to issues of public accountability, institutional performance and possible reforms.

It is expected to establish the full sequence of events and determine the direct, contributing and systemic causes of the tragedy, while its technical investigation will take account of international standards, including the casualty investigation code.

In an update issued on Wednesday, the commission said that since the commissioners were appointed and sworn in on July 30, it has conducted an initial in-person survey of the accident scene, secured the Arthur Chung Conference Centre at Liliendaal for public hearings and established its secretariat.

It is also acquiring and conducting preliminary analysis of information relating to the vessel’s seaworthiness, voyage conditions and crew operations.

Records have been requested from key agencies, including the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), the Transport and Harbours Division, the Guyana Coast Guard and the air guard.

The secretariat is simultaneously compiling witness lists, drafting rules of procedure and developing a dedicated website through which official records and information will be made available to the public.

The commission said the rules are being developed to ensure that the proceedings remain “open to all, transparent, orderly, fair and effective.”

It has urged anyone with relevant information, documentation or recommendations to contact the secretariat at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, or via presidentialcommissiongy@gmail.com and WhatsApp at 592-674-7473.

The commission is also empowered by law to summon witnesses and compel the production of documents.

“The commission is committed to conducting its work independently, impartially, thoroughly and expeditiously, without fear or favour,” the statement said.

The panel said the preliminary assessments of technical and witness evidence are necessary before formal hearings begin later this month, while thanking the public for its patience as the groundwork continues.

Salvage process advances

While the CoI’s latest update was silent on the recovery of the sunken ferry, the government has previously said that the procurement process for salvaging the vessel is advancing.

President Ali recently disclosed that the Expression of Interest (EOI) period had closed and that several companies were being shortlisted before being invited to submit prices for the recovery operation.

“I think on Friday, the expression of interest would have closed. They have received a number of expressions of interest,” Ali said. “Those interests are being shortlisted now by the agency, and then those shortlisted entities will be invited to supply prices to have the vessel salvaged.”

The president estimated that 10 or more entities may have expressed interest, although he cautioned that he did not have the exact figure.

He said the companies were being assessed against established criteria and that there was no distinction, to his knowledge, between local and international firms in the process.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC, has meanwhile placed the estimated cost of the salvage operation at between US$8 million and US$10 million.

MARAD’s Request for Proposals documents outline the considerable technical challenges involved in recovering the vessel.

The 38.6-metre ferry lies in soft seabed mud at a depth of between 13 and 15 metres, or approximately 42 to 49 feet. Poor underwater visibility, strong currents and tidal streams are among the conditions contractors would have to contend with.

Prospective salvors were required to submit detailed methodologies covering the various stages of the operation, demonstrate between five and 10 years of successful salvage experience in Guyanese or Caribbean waters and show the technical capacity to recover and stow the vessel upright on a barge while preserving forensic evidence that may be required by the Commission.

The issue of salvaging the vessel has also been a major point of public and political contention.

Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed previously called on the government to authorise the recovery of the Barima at no cost to the state, using specialised international salvage teams.

Mohamed criticised earlier suggestions that the vessel could remain submerged and later be turned into a memorial, describing such proposals as “premature and wicked” and “an act of cruelty.”

“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 said. “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.”

Accountability awaits CoI findings

The salvage operation is unfolding against the backdrop of mounting calls for political accountability following the July 18 disaster.

Ali has previously said that any administrative or executive action regarding calls for the removal or suspension of Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill and Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar will depend on the findings and recommendations of the CoI.

Speaking at a press conference, the president said he would not interfere with or prejudge the work of the independent inquiry.

“An independent CoI has been established to determine everything that you’re speaking about,” Ali said, adding that the commission would make its determinations and recommendations before his administration decides what action should follow.

He said the Government would, however, continue taking immediate measures necessary to address maritime safety while the inquiry is ongoing.

The M/V Barima, an 87-year-old state-owned ferry, capsized and sank on July 18 while travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, Region One.

The disaster left 73 people confirmed dead, 76 rescued and at least 30 others still missing and feared dead, making it one of the deadliest maritime disasters in Guyana’s history.

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• Barima CoI, COI, salvage

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