Guyana seeks salvage contractor for capsized MV Barima as investigations expand

The MV Barima ferry capsized off Guyana’s Essequibo coast, leaving more than 70 people recovered and over 30 missing. The Guyana Maritime Administration Department issued an Expression of Interest for a marine‑salvage contractor to recover the vessel from 13‑15 metres of water and preserve forensic evidence for the international Commission of Inquiry.

Potential contractors highlighted include Resolve Marine Group (Fort Lauderdale), Titan Salvage, Ardent, Svitzer Salvage Americas, InterTug (Cartagena) and T&T Salvage, each possessing regional experience in shallow‑water refloating and environmental protection.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall said criminal accountability could extend beyond the three transport officials already facing court, with the Guyana Police Force, the Director of Public Prosecutions and the newly‑sworn Commission of Inquiry each conducting separate investigations. Findings of negligence or misconduct by the Commission will be referred to police and the DPP for possible additional charges.