The Guyana government says it has commenced the process to secure a specialised marine salvage contractor to recover the MV Barima, which capsized and sank on July 18 off the North West Coast, killing 72 people with more than 30 others missing and presumed dead..
The Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, through the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), said it is seeking qualified firms with extensive regional experience to submit Expressions of Interest for the operationThe vessel rests in approximately 13 to 15 metres of water. It presents a technically demanding salvage operation due to strong tidal currents, limited underwater visibility and challenging sea conditions.
Interested firms must demonstrate the technical expertise, specialised equipment and operational capacity required to safely recover the vessel while preserving evidence that may assist the Commission of Inquiry established by President Irfaan Ali.
Contractors will also be required to outline their proposed salvage methodology, environmental protection measures, key personnel, implementation timeline and health and safety management systems.
Companies must further demonstrate the ability to maintain the recovered vessel in an upright position on a barge for several weeks following the operation.
The MV Barima is a passenger and cargo ferry measuring approximately 38.6 metres in length with an 8.9 metre beam and a depth of 2.9 metres. It is powered by twin Caterpillar C18 diesel engines and Caterpillar diesel generator sets.
Expressions of Interest must be submitted electronically to MARAD by the close of business on Friday, August 14, 2026.
Following an evaluation of submissions, shortlisted firms will be invited to participate in the next stage of the procurement process, which will include detailed technical specifications, site information and contractual requirements for the salvage operation.
Late last month, Prime Minister Mark Phillips told a news conference and that the government would consider making the area where the MV Barima sank into a memorial should the relatives of the families of those who have died agree to that option.
He said then that the authorities had already received offers from reputable international salvage companies to try and recover the 87-year-old vessel.
‘Well, there are several offers being submitted to the government …for salvaging the vessel,’ Prime Minister Phillips said, noting that ‘in addition to those offers to salvage the vessels, it is the wishes of the family that are important at this stage, because if there is any indication from the family that they prefer to have the area be deemed a memorial site, then we go with that option’.
Prime Minister Phillips reiterated that regarding the salvaging the vessel, ‘if the family feels that we should go ahead and salvage the vessel, the government is likely to honour the wishes of the family.
‘You have two options here. As I said, you have offers to salvage the vessel, right. And then there’s this whole issue about the area being deemed a memorial site and a memorial being constructed. But the family’s wishes is what is important now,’ he added.