MV Barima ferry commisssion of inquiry visited scene, collecting documents

Last Updated on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, 12:35 by Denis Chabrol

The five-member Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the ferry MV Barima has visited the area where the vessel went down on July 19,and has also gathered information about its seaworthines, that body said.

In a notice to the public, Secretary to the Commission Javed Shadick said all persons with information relevant to the Terms of Reference will be required to attend and give evidence before the Commission.
He said the Commission is statutorily empowered to summon any person to attend and give evidence or to produce books, plans or documents at any sitting of the Commission and give testimony connected with the inquiry as the Commissioners shall prescribe.

In a statement, the Commission said it so far “made a preliminary, in-person survey of the site of the accident.” The vessel sank about nine nautical miles off Pomeroon, Essequibo Coast on July 19 with an estimated 179 passengers and crew. Seventy-six persons were rescued and 72 bodies recovered.

No mention was made about plans to salvage the vessel so that forensic evidence can be collected.

A date for the start of public hearings later this month has not been provided,  but the commission says it is compiling  “a list of potential witnesses and preparing a preliminary schedule for interviewing witnesses.” Arrangements have also been finalised for them to be held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

The Commission also said it is conducting a preliminary analysis of the documentation received to date regarding various aspects of the seaworthiness of the MV Barima such as the conditions under which she sailed, and crew operation during the voyage.

Under the chairmanship of Justice Godfrey Philip Smith of Belize, the commission says it has also arranged to acquire  “important data and information” from a number of public institutions likely to have information touching and concerning the capsizing of the Barima, in accordance with the requirements of international maritime conventions and associated regulations made and those under the Guyana Shipping Act. These institutions include the Maritime Administration (MARAD), Transport and Harbours Department, and the Guyana Defence Force’s Coast Guard and Air Corps.

“The Commission considers it essential that the relevant technical, documentary and witness evidence be properly identified and assessed before the public hearings commence to ensure that the proceedings are efficiently and effectively conducted. It is also very important that all persons with relevant information have a fair opportunity to contribute to the Inquiry,” the commission also said.

Following their appointment on 30th July 2026, the Commission’s Secretariat for administrative, research and logistical support to the Commission has been established.

The commission is also drafting its rules of procedure governing how the commission will approach its work. “These rules will ensure that the inquiry is open to all, transparent, orderly, fair and effective and will be published shortly.”

A dedicated website is being developed for the Commission of Inquiry to serve as its single authoritative public record which is critical to promoting transparency and accessibility.

The Commission says it fully recognizes and understands the immense public interest in the circumstances surrounding the capsizing of the MV Barima and the resulting tragic loss of life. The Commission also says it is committed to conducting its work independently, impartially, thoroughly and expeditiously, without fear or favour, in accordance with Rules of Procedure and the terms of its mandate.

The Objectives of the Commission of Inquiry are as follows:
The Commission shall conduct a thorough, independent, impartial and comprehensive public inquiry into all circumstances surrounding the capsizing and sinking of the M/V “BARIMA”, the tragic loss of life, the response thereto, and all matters reasonably connected therewith.

The Commission shall establish, so far as the evidence permits, the full facts and sequence of events; determine the immediate, direct, contributing and systematic causes of the casualty; identify any shortcomings or failures; assess compliance with applicable legal and safety requirements; recommend appropriate accountability where warranted; and propose reforms necessary to strengthen maritime safety and prevent a recurrence.

In examining the technical aspects of the marine casualty, the Commission may have regard to relevant national laws and internationally recognised marine casualty investigation principles and standards, including, where applicable, the Code of the International Standards and Recommended Practices for a Safety Investigation into the Marine Casualty or Marine Incident (“Casualty Investigation Code”). The Commission’s mandate shall not, however, be limited to a safety investigation and shall extend to public accountability, institutional performance and reform.