MV Barima salvage: Three companies submit bids for recovery

MV Barima salvage Guyana maritime tragedy shipwreck recovery NPTAB bids Essequibo Coast

Three companies have submitted formal bids to salvage the MV Barima, a ferry that sank in July 2026, resulting in the deaths or disappearance of over 100 people. According to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), the bidders include the Netherlands-based KMS B. V., which quoted US$2,035,100, as well as Guyanese firms Industrial Fabrications Inc. (InFab) at US$1,895,000 and BK International Inc. at US$1,034,000.

The vessel lies in soft seabed mud at a depth of 13 to 15 metres off the Essequibo Coast. The recovery operation faces technical challenges including strong currents and poor visibility. The salvage process must also preserve forensic evidence for an ongoing Commission of Inquiry. While Attorney General Anil Nandlall estimated the total cost of the operation could reach between US$8 million and US$10 million, opposition members have criticized the government for delays in selecting a contractor.

Of the estimated 179 people on board at the time of the incident, 77 were rescued and 72 remain missing. Legal proceedings are currently underway, with the captain, first mate, and a Goods Superintendent from the Transport and Harbours Department facing murder charges.

Entities

BK International Inc · KMS B. V. · MV Barima · Maritime Administration · National Procurement and Tender Administration Board

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The captain, first mate, and a Goods Superintendent have been charged with murder. demerarawaves.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Of the estimated 179 passengers and crew, 77 were rescued and 72 remain missing. demerarawaves.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] BK International Inc. submitted a bid of US$1,034,000. demerarawaves.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The MV Barima is located in soft seabed mud at a depth of 13 to 15 metres. kaieteurnewsonline.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Industrial Fabrications Inc. (InFab) submitted a bid of US$1,895,000. demerarawaves.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Three companies have submitted bids to salvage the MV Barima. demerarawaves.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] KMB B. V. submitted a bid of US$2,035,100 for the salvage operation. demerarawaves.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Attorney General Anil Nandlall estimated the salvage operation will cost between US$8 million and US$10 million. kaieteurnewsonline.com

Sources

25 Days Gone, Mv Barima Still Has No Salvager! This Is An Insult To Guyanese! [villagevoicenews.com]

3 days ago

Three companies bid to salvage MV Barima [demerarawaves.com]

3 days ago

3 companies bid to salvage MV Barima [inewsguyana.com]

2 days ago

No salvager for MV Barima 26 days after tender [kaieteurnewsonline.com]

3 days ago