Venezuelan diver dies during MV Barima salvage operation
November 1 2026
A 66-year-old Venezuelan national hired for the salvage operation involving the ill-fated MV Barima died after reportedly failing to resurface while diving in the Essequibo River, approximately 10 nautical miles off the coast of Anna Regina.
The man, identified as Luis Martinez, was retrieved from the water on Wednesday, October 28, after members of the crew became concerned when he remained submerged for about 20 minutes.
General Manager of BK International, Brian Tiwari, confirmed to BIG Smith News Watch that Martinez was hired by another company involved in the effort to refloat the sunken vessel.
According to reports, Martinez and several other persons departed the Transport and Harbours wharf at Stabroek aboard a vessel at approximately 17:14 hrs on Wednesday to refloat another vessel in the Essequibo River.
Upon reaching the location, Martinez entered the water to begin diving operations. However, after approximately 20 minutes passed without him resurfacing, members of the crew became concerned.
A rope attached to the diver was then used to pull him back onto the vessel. He was reportedly found motionless and frothing at the mouth.
The crew transported him back to the Stabroek Wharf, where ambulance personnel were summoned. Martinez was pronounced dead at approximately 02:30 hrs on Thursday.
No marks of violence were reportedly observed on his body. His remains were subsequently taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where a post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted.
MV Barima disaster
The incident comes months after the 87-year-old MV Barima sank on July 18, 2026, while transporting approximately 179 passengers on a voyage to Port Kaituma.
The disaster triggered a major search and rescue operation, with 73 bodies recovered, 79 people rescued and approximately 30 others still missing, according to the figures provided.
Salvage efforts have since been undertaken as authorities and the companies involved work to address the wreckage of the vessel.
