– specialised teams to enter vessel, recover victims
A MAJOR technical operation to access the wreck of the MV Barima got underway on Wednesday morning, with local, regional and international teams working to enter the sunken vessel and recover those believed to be trapped inside.
President Dr Irfaan Ali announced the operation during a Wednesday morning briefing with relatives gathered at the Charity Waterfront, where families continue to await news of loved ones still missing following Saturday night’s tragedy.
“Today is going to be a very complex operation,” the President said, explaining that the effort is being led by the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard with support from specialist teams from France and Trinidad and Tobago, along with private-sector assets.
The President said divers completed a full assessment of the wreck on Tuesday, allowing teams to determine its position and the challenges involved in accessing it.
“The focus will be on trying to get inside the wreckage,” Ali said. “The operation has started to reposition the vessel so entry can be made to recover as much as possible from within.”
According to the President, divers are working to reposition the vessel before attempting to move it into shallower waters, where recovery efforts can be carried out more safely and effectively.
A key part of Wednesday’s operation involves deploying 1,500-ton buoyancy airbags (also known as inflatable lifting bags or salvage airbags), which divers will secure to the vessel in an effort to lift or stabilise the wreck and maximise recovery efforts.
“We want to maximise every potential in making maximum recovery as possible,” the President said. Authorities are hoping to receive the first update on the success of the operation by around midday.
Meanwhile, the search has also been expanded beyond the wreck site.
President Ali said additional Guyana Defence Force troops have been deployed on foot to search the Shell Beach area and other sections of the coastline, while helicopters and other aerial assets have once again been mobilised.
“We are racing against time and they are going to be trying everything,” he said. “All the tools and assets are out there.”
The President assured families that Government officials would remain with them throughout the day and continue providing updates as information becomes available.
He also announced that a prayer service would be held at Charity on Wednesday evening as part of the National Day of Prayer, bringing together families, community members and religious leaders to honour the victims of the tragedy.
“This is a site that is heavy laden with grief,” President Ali said. “Tonight, we will gather in prayer for their loved ones, our loved ones, and the beautiful souls that have departed us.”
To assist with the identification process, the Government has established an image review station where relatives can first examine photographs of unidentified victims before being transported to Suddie Hospital for formal confirmation.
President Ali reiterated that the Government remains committed to supporting families throughout the search, recovery and identification process, while every available resource continues to be deployed in the effort to account for everyone who was aboard the MV Barima.
