Guyana Opposition Leader Calls for Salvage of Sunken MV Barima Ferry

Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed announced he will assemble a legal team to advise families of the MV Barima ferry disaster and warned them not to sign any compensation documents without legal guidance. He said the families of the more than 30 missing victims are united in demanding that the sunken vessel be raised, even if only the “bones” are recovered, to provide closure.

Mohamed accused the government of resisting salvage because bodies and evidence may be found on the wreck. Prime Minister Mark Phillips acknowledged the ongoing loss of life, said the government has received local and international offers to assist with the salvage, and will consider the wishes of the victims’ families in its decision. He affirmed that the recently announced Commission of Inquiry will continue regardless of whether the ferry is recovered.