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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [INTERNATIONAL]

2 clusters · 7 sources · 9 days · First seen · Last updated

MV Barima shipwreck salvage and legal proceedings

Overview

Following the sinking of the MV Barima in July 2026, which resulted in at least 72 people remaining missing out of an estimated 179 on board, the salvage process has entered a bidding phase.

The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) reported that three companies—KMS B. V. from the Netherlands, Industrial Fabrications Inc., and BK International Inc.—have submitted formal bids to recover the vessel from the Essequibo Coast. The operation faces technical difficulties due to strong currents and poor visibility at depths of 13 to 15 metres.

While the Attorney General estimated total costs could reach between US$8 million and US$10 million, the salvage must also preserve forensic evidence for a Commission of Inquiry. Meanwhile, legal proceedings are ongoing, with the captain, first mate, and a Goods Superintendent facing murder charges.

Entities

KMS B. V. · Maritime Administration · Ministry of Transportation · Basarnas · National Procurement and Tender Administration Board

Timeline

  1. about 4 hours ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
    Basarnas mandates wreckage removal for KM Virgo Transport 8

    Basarnas is requiring the owners of the capsized KM Virgo Transport 8 to remove the wreckage in the Java Sea to expedite search and rescue operations for the 243 people on board.

  2. 8 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 4 sources
    MV Barima salvage: Three companies submit bids for recovery

    Three companies, including KMS B. V., InFab, and BK International, have bid to salvage the MV Barima in Guyana following a tragedy that left over 100 people dead or missing.

Sources

clovermedia.jp · demerarawaves.com · inewsguyana.com · kaieteurnewsonline.com · rri.co.id · villagevoicenews.com · viva.co.id