Guyana to launch international inquiry into deadly MV Barima ferry disaster
Key Points(5)
- Guyana President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali says an international and independent commission of inquiry will be established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the capsizing of the MV Barima, one of the country's deadliest maritime disasters.
- In a statement on Saturday, Ali said the five-member panel, to be announced on Sunday, will comprise "distinguished experts and professionals" with extensive experience in law, marine engineering, maritime safety and disaster investigation.
- He said the members were selected for their independence, technical expertise and proven ability, and would be free to determine their own procedures and methods of work.
- The commission will be tasked with conducting what the president described as a "thorough, impartial examination" of the disaster, including the events leading to the ferry's capsizing and sinking, the emergency response and all related matters.
- According to Ali, the inquiry will seek to identify any shortcomings or failures, recommend accountability where appropriate and propose reforms to strengthen the safety and reliability of Guyana's maritime transport system.
Guyana President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali says an international and independent commission of inquiry will be established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the capsizing of the MV Barima, one of the country's deadliest maritime disasters.
In a statement on Saturday, Ali said the five-member panel, to be announced on Sunday, will comprise "distinguished experts and professionals" with extensive experience in law, marine engineering, maritime safety and disaster investigation.
He said the members were selected for their independence, technical expertise and proven ability, and would be free to determine their own procedures and methods of work.
The commission will be tasked with conducting what the president described as a "thorough, impartial examination" of the disaster, including the events leading to the ferry's capsizing and sinking, the emergency response and all related matters.
According to Ali, the inquiry will seek to identify any shortcomings or failures, recommend accountability where appropriate and propose reforms to strengthen the safety and reliability of Guyana's maritime transport system.
Among the issues to be examined are the vessel's loading, passenger boarding procedures, conditions on board, seaworthiness and maintenance history. The commission will also review compliance with maritime laws and safety standards, the conduct and competence of the captain and crew, passenger management, life-saving arrangements, and the impact of weather, sea conditions and other operational factors.
The panel will also assess the search, rescue and recovery operation, examining the adequacy, coordination and effectiveness of the response by all agencies and stakeholders involved.
Ali said the commission will have the authority to determine whether negligence, misconduct, dereliction of duty or institutional failures contributed to the tragedy. It will also be empowered to recommend legislative, regulatory, institutional and operational reforms aimed at preventing similar disasters in the future.
The announcement follows the sinking of the MV Barima, which claimed dozens of lives and prompted widespread calls for an independent investigation.
Ali had previously pledged to establish an international commission of inquiry once the search and recovery phase of the operation had progressed.
