– protecting key evidence during recovery operations paramount
The Guyana Government has decided to move ahead with the salvaging of the MV Barima, which capsized and sank off the Essequibo Coast two weeks ago, and has opened up the tender process for specialist companies to undertake the task.
The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), under the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, is inviting qualified and experienced marine salvage contractors to submit expressions of interest (EoIs) for the salvage of the motor vessel Barima.
In the advertisement published on Saturday, MARAD explained that the MV Barima is a passenger and cargo ferry of approximately 38.6 metres in length overall, 8.9 metres in beam, and 2.9 metres in depth, registered in Georgetown, Guyana, and fitted with twin Caterpillar C18 diesel main engines and Caterpillar diesel generator sets.
MV Barima
According to the department, the vessel is presently lying as a wreck in approximate positions Latitude 07° 28′.213 North, Longitude 058° 23′.443 West, in water depths of about 13-15 metres (42-49 feet).
“Visibility at the wreck site is poor, and strong currents and tidal streams may be encountered at times, necessitating suitably robust procedures and equipment for safe operations… The Contractor must propose methods and sequences for all stages of the operation,” the ad detailed.
To this end, MARAD is seeking reputable salvage companies with a proven track record of successful vessel salvage operations in Guyanese or wider Caribbean waters, particularly environments characterised by strong currents and restricted visibility.
Interested and suitably qualified companies are invited to submit an EOI containing, at a minimum, a corporate profile, including ownership, principal place of business, and years of operation in marine salvage. Evidence of relevant experience over the last 5-10 years, including a track record of successful salvage operations in the region, with a brief description of location, depth, vessel type and size, method used, and client references, is also required.
The area off the Essequibo Coast, where the MV Barima is lying on the seabed
Moreover, proposals must include a description of the proposed technical approach for the MV Barima salvage, with emphasis on the measures to protect and document forensic evidence for use by the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) that was set up to probe the tragedy. Additionally, companies are asked to specify environmental protection measures.
Other details required from interested firms include: an outline of key personnel and equipment to be deployed; an indicative timeline to commence and complete operations; the ability to stow the salvaged vessel upright on a barge for several weeks; confirmation of capacity to operate under “no cure, no pay” or other commercial agreements; and statements regarding insurance coverage, health, safety, and environmental management systems and compliance with Guyana’s maritime, procurement, and occupational safety regulations.
Proposals, not exceeding 10 pages excluding appendices such as CVs and project sheets, are expected to be submitted electronically in PDF format to procurement@marad.gov.gy no later than close of business on Friday, August 14, 2026. MARAD says late submissions may not be considered.
Following the review of EOIs, MARAD reserves the right to shortlist firms and issue a detailed Request for Proposals/Tender Document, including technical specifications, site data, contractual conditions, and commercial terms, to selected companies only.
According to the ad, the Public Utilities and Aviation Ministry and MARAD do not bind themselves to accept any EoI and reserve the right to annul the process or re-advertise at their sole discretion.
MV Barima was en route to Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini), with 179 persons onboard when it capsized and sank off the Essequibo Coast on the night of Saturday, July 18.
While at least 76 persons survived the horrific boat accident, 73 have been confirmed dead, and another 30 are still missing. Efforts to reposition the sunken vessel, which is lying on the seabed about nine miles off the Essequibo Coast, were futile, and the Government committed to engaging the families of those missing persons on whether to salvage the ferry or preserve the site as a memorial.
In fact, President Dr Irfaan Ali held one-on-one engagements with survivors and families of the victims from this tragedy last week, both at Mabaruma in Region One and in Georgetown.
At a press conference last week, Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who is leading the national response operation, revealed that the diving operations were suspended.
PM Phillips subsequently told Guyana Times on Friday that the team of divers from the French Guiana Army, along with those from the Brazilian Navy and the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, which had deployed maritime assets and personnel to support the local operations, had since departed Guyana.
“They already concluded their work [here] and went home… So, no diving is taking place now. We already identified the wreck, and that location is marked. So, anytime we have to go in the area, we don’t have to search. We know the location,” the PM indicated to this publication.
Since arriving in Guyana on Monday, July 20, the team of French divers has executed approximately 15 diving operations on the sunken ferry, which is lying on the seabed about nine miles off the Essequibo Coast. They have reported that the weather and the environmental conditions are making it dangerous for them to get into the ferry.
Initially, there were efforts to right the vessel into a floating position and get it closer to shore in order to gain better access inside, but those attempts proved futile.
PM Phillips had previously explained that as the days go by, the vessel is “sinking deeper and deeper into the mud”, making recovery efforts more difficult.
Nevertheless, the search and recovery operations continue, but the 18 assets, both sea and air, previously deployed have been reduced.
“We still have boats out there patrolling the area, and we have aircraft flying over from time to time. But the assets have been scaled down,” PM Phillips told this newspaper on Friday.
Meanwhile, President Ali on Friday established an audit team to undertake a comprehensive review of the safety and compliance standards governing marine vessels operating in Guyana. This is in addition to a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) already launched to probe the MV Barima tragedy.
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