MV Barima inquiry targets six-month completion

October 8 2026

The Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the MV Barima is aiming to complete its investigation within six months, as it prepares to examine the circumstances, decisions and possible failures that contributed to the July 18, 2026 tragedy.

The five-member Commission, chaired by Justice Godfrey P. Smith, was formally introduced to the media on Wednesday and pledged to conduct an independent, transparent and people-centred investigation.

Justice Smith said the six-month target will not come at the expense of a thorough examination of the evidence, with the Commission expected to follow the facts wherever they lead.

The inquiry will examine the vessel’s seaworthiness, passenger and cargo operations, the qualifications and conduct of its crew, search, rescue and recovery efforts, regulatory oversight and human factors that may have influenced decisions before and during the sinking.

The Commission will also examine more than 100 witnesses and review documentary and technical evidence, while visiting communities and locations connected to the tragedy.

Justice Smith stressed that the inquiry is not a criminal court and will not determine criminal guilt or award compensation. Its mandate is to establish the facts, identify the causes and contributing factors, expose shortcomings and recommend measures to strengthen Guyana’s maritime safety systems.

Families and survivors at centre of inquiry

Before taking testimony, the commissioners met with approximately 120 relatives and survivors at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre.

The meeting provided families and survivors with an opportunity to share their experiences and seek answers about the tragedy. Justice Smith acknowledged the profound grief that continues to affect those who lost loved ones and cautioned that the inquiry could revive painful memories.

The Commission has indicated that it may not be able to answer every question raised by families but will make every effort to establish the facts surrounding the sinking.

Charged crew members may testify

The three crew members who have been charged in connection with the tragedy are among those the Commission wants to hear from, given their potential knowledge of events surrounding the sinking.

Justice Smith said their participation will have to be handled in accordance with the law and with due regard for their legal rights and any advice provided by their attorneys.

He declined to say whether ministers responsible for the maritime sector would be called, explaining that the witness list will be guided by the evidence.

Sunken vessel retains forensic value

The recovery of the MV Barima remains an important component of the investigation, although commissioners said the inquiry can proceed without relying entirely on the vessel being salvaged.

Maritime expert and Commissioner Andrzej Jasionowski said the vessel is expected to retain significant forensic value despite the passage of time.

The National Tender Board has since awarded the contract for the salvage of the MV Barima to BK International.

Rear Admiral Hayden Pritchard said the Commission has already obtained substantial documentary, technical and other evidence, allowing investigators to continue their work while arrangements for the vessel’s recovery advance.

The Commission is ultimately expected to produce findings that go beyond determining what happened on July 18, with recommendations aimed at strengthening maritime safety and helping prevent a similar tragedy in the future.