Guyana Prime Minister Mark Anthony Phillips said an independent inquiry will be established “as early as possible” to determine what happened before the MV Barima departed and whether operating procedures were followed. File Photo by Nathalia Aguilar/EPA
July 22 (UPI) — Guyana will establish an independent commission of inquiry into the country’s deadliest maritime disaster after the sinking of the MV Barima left at least 53 people dead.
Meanwhile, authorities continued rescue and recovery operations while investigating discrepancies in the ferry’s passenger manifest and possible safety violations.
The MV Barima, an 87-year-old ferry operating between Georgetown and the remote community of Port Kaituma, capsized Saturday night after issuing a distress signal, Authorities described it as the worst maritime disaster in Guyana’s history.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips said Wednesday the independent inquiry will be established “as early as possible” to determine what happened before the vessel departed and whether operating procedures were followed.
Investigators will also examine how discrepancies in the passenger manifest occurred, how cargo was handled, whether the emergency response was adequate and whether violations of maritime regulations occurred, according to Guyana’s Department of Public Information.
“I can assure you, yes, we will have a commission of inquiry and people will be held responsible based on the outcome, the results and the recommendations of that commission of inquiry,” Phillips said.
Authorities now believe about 179 people were aboard the ferry when it capsized, despite the official manifest listing 116 passengers and 17 crew members, Phillips said.
He cautioned against drawing conclusions about possible overloading or operational failures before investigators complete their work, but did acknowledge discrepancies between the official records and the estimated number of passengers.
Phillips said the commission also will recommend reforms to strengthen maritime safety, improve ferry operations and help prevent similar disasters.
The announcement comes as search and recovery operations entered a new phase. President Mohamed Irfaan Ali said Wednesday that authorities planned to begin raising the wreck using specialized flotation equipment to improve access for rescue and recovery teams, according to the Department of Public Information.
Ali said additional divers and technical personnel were joining the operation, which includes the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, police, civilian volunteers and private-sector partners. He ssaid seabed mapping technology provided with support from ExxonMobil had located the ferry resting on its starboard side, allowing engineers to plan a recovery effort.
“We have not ruled out rescue just yet,” Ali told relatives of those still missing during a late-night briefing, according to the Department of Public Information.
Authorities said 76 people have been rescued since the accident, while dozens remain unaccounted for.
Separate criminal and administrative investigations also remain underway.
Earlier this week, officials confirmed that the ferry’s captain and mate tested positive for marijuana after the accident. Maritime personnel responsible for the vessel’s operations were placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, according to the Department of Public Information.