Survivors of the MV Barima disaster and relatives of those who died had an opportunity on Monday to engage directly with members of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) in Mabaruma, Region One, as the panel continued its work to determine the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
During the meeting, chairman Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith encouraged those affected to come forward and share what they witnessed, emphasising that their accounts could assist the Commission in piecing together what happened when the vessel sank on July 18, 2026.
The engagement also allowed survivors and grieving relatives to seek clarification about the inquiry and understand how they could participate in the process.
Justice Smith acknowledged the emotional toll of the disaster, which claimed 73 lives, and recognised that recounting the events could be difficult for those who experienced them.
He said the Commission’s responsibility was to examine the available information, establish the facts and make recommendations aimed at preventing a recurrence.
The chairman explained that Monday’s session was intended to familiarise affected persons with the inquiry rather than serve as a formal evidence hearing.
The Commission has already begun examining documents and conducting site visits as part of its investigation.
Several survivors and relatives welcomed the opportunity to speak with the commissioners, noting that it gave them a chance to express their concerns and gain a clearer understanding of the inquiry.
After the meeting, the commissioners visited the Kumaka waterfront and packaging facility in Region One, continuing their inspection of locations relevant to the investigation.
The Commission is scheduled to travel to Port Kaituma on Tuesday, ahead of the start of formal evidence-taking on Wednesday, October 14, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Georgetown.
More than 100 witnesses, including survivors, relatives of victims, first responders and officials, are expected to appear before the panel.
The 87-year-old MV Barima was travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma when it capsized approximately 9.3 nautical miles off Devonshire Castle, Essequibo Coast.
Of the 179 people aboard, including 18 crew members, 76 survived, while approximately 30 remain unaccounted for.
The CoI is tasked with investigating the vessel’s operations, regulatory oversight and emergency response, and recommending measures to strengthen maritime safety.
Photo credit: NCN
