Commission of Inquiry inspects Kingston wharf following MV Barima tragedy

The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) investigating the MV Barima tragedy conducted a site inspection at the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) wharf in Kingston, Georgetown. Chaired by Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith, the commission included maritime experts such as Captain Hamada Fouda, Nyree Dawn Alfonso, Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Hayden Pritchard, and Dr. Andrzej Jasionowski. The delegation inspected the cargo bond area, passenger facilities, and docked vessels, including the MV MaLisha and the MV Kimbia.

During the inspection, commissioners noted several upgrades to the facility, with one official remarking that certain equipment appeared “brand new.” However, reports suggest these improvements may be a recent development, as previous photographic evidence from August showed a lack of similar infrastructure and paved surfaces at the site.

In related developments, the CoI informed families that the contract to salvage the sunken MV Barima has been awarded to BK International for $1.3 billion. The salvage operation is expected to begin before the end of October, nearly three months after the vessel capsized, an incident that resulted in 73 deaths and left 30 people unaccounted for.