Guyana establishes maritime safety audit team after deadly MV Barima disaster
Key Points(5)
- Guyana President Irfaan Ali has announced the establishment of a Safety and Compliance Audit Team to conduct a comprehensive review of the safety and compliance standards governing marine vessels operating in the country.
- Ali said the three-member team is part of the government's ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime safety and prevent future tragedies following the sinking of the MV Barima last month.
- The July 18 disaster, regarded as Guyana's worst maritime tragedy, occurred as the MV Barima was traveling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma in the Barima-Waini region.
- According to officials, the vessel was carrying 179 passengers and crew members.
- Authorities said 72 bodies have been recovered, 76 people rescued and at least 30 others remain missing.
Guyana President Irfaan Ali has announced the establishment of a Safety and Compliance Audit Team to conduct a comprehensive review of the safety and compliance standards governing marine vessels operating in the country.
Ali said the three-member team is part of the government's ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime safety and prevent future tragedies following the sinking of the MV Barima last month.
The July 18 disaster, regarded as Guyana's worst maritime tragedy, occurred as the MV Barima was traveling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma in the Barima-Waini region. According to officials, the vessel was carrying 179 passengers and crew members.
Authorities said 72 bodies have been recovered, 76 people rescued and at least 30 others remain missing.
In a statement on Friday, the government said coordinated search and recovery operations remain ongoing but there have been no additional verified developments beyond previously released information.
"Further press briefings will be convened when significant and verified operational developments arise. In the interim, any information relevant to the ongoing operations will be communicated through the established channels. The Government of Guyana remains committed to supporting the affected families, maintaining the integrity of the ongoing operations and ensuring that the public receives accurate and verified information," the statement said.
The newly established audit team comprises former Director General of the Maritime Administration Department, Dr. Ivor English; Colonel Julius Skeete of the Guyana Defence Force; and marine officer and ship surveyor Captain Joseph Lewis.
According to Ali, the team brings together extensive technical expertise and practical experience in marine administration, maritime operations, and vessel inspection.
The president said the team has been tasked with carrying out "a comprehensive assessment of compliance with applicable maritime safety requirements governing vessels operating in Guyana."
"It will also make recommendations to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve enforcement mechanisms and ensure that vessels, operators and the country's regulatory systems adhere to the highest practicable standards of safety and accountability," Ali said.
He added that the Safety and Compliance Audit Team is part of a broader package of government measures aimed at improving maritime safety, restoring public confidence in water transportation and helping to prevent similar disasters.
The announcement comes a day after a five-member Commission of Inquiry was sworn in to investigate the sinking of the 87-year-old MV Barima.
The commission, chaired by Godfrey Philip Smith, will independently examine the circumstances surrounding the disaster and submit its findings, observations and recommendations upon completion of its work.
