(Kaieteur News) – The five-member Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the MV Barima tragedy on Friday continued its preliminary investigations with visits to two dry docks on the East Bank Demerara, where the vessel was maintained and repaired at various times before the deadly July 18 incident.
The visits form part of the commission’s efforts to gather information and familiarise itself with facilities relevant to the investigation ahead of the commencement of oral hearings on October 14.
According to a statement issued by the commission’s secretary, both facilities were associated with the maintenance and repair of the MV Barima at different times before the tragedy.
The inspections are intended to give commissioners a clearer understanding of the sites and operations that may be relevant to their examination of the circumstances surrounding the vessel’s capsising.
Friday’s visits followed a series of inspections on Thursday, October 8, at the Transport and Harbours Department’s (T&HD) Goods Wharf in Kingston, Georgetown.
The commissioners also visited the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and the Transport and Harbours Department as part of their preliminary fact-finding activities.
The site visits were part of the commission’s broader efforts to gather information before the oral hearings begin.
The inquiry is tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding the MV Barima tragedy, which occurred on July 18, 2026.
With oral hearings scheduled to begin on October 14, the commissioners are continuing their preliminary work to familiarise themselves with the facilities, operations and agencies connected to the vessel before proceeding with the formal examination of evidence.
Source: Kaieteur News
