PM vows tougher enforcement of maritime regulations – INews Guyana

After investigators uncovered several discrepancies and alleged illegalities that likely contributed to the sinking of the MV Barima on Saturday night, Prime Minister Mark Phillips said authorities will intensify enforcement of maritime regulations governing all vessels operating on the country’s waterways.

He gave this assurance at a press conference Monday night, where he updated the nation on the search and rescue efforts for the passengers and crew who were onboard the vessel when it went down.

“Moving forward with all the ferries, we will revamp the system and ensure that we stick to the regulations. There are SOPs for loading, there are SOPs for ticketing…we will ensure that all those SOPs are gone over again with the crew member and enforced,” the PM noted.

This assurance comes amid the discovery that the MV Barima had more passengers than the manifest detailed, and that that captain tested positive for drug use.

Initially, it was reported that there were 116 passengers along with 17 crew members on board the vessel, but that figure was on Sunday night ruled as not precise by authorities, who noted that the manifest was inaccurate.

It is now estimated that the MV Barima had 179 occupants – inclusive of 18 crew members – when it went down.

Additionally, two rescued crew members, including the vessel’s captain, tested positive for cannabis during medical examinations conducted by healthcare personnel.

Already, a probe has been launched, examining all of the facts and circumstances surrounding this tragedy, including the accuracy of the passenger manifest, the loading of passengers and cargo, compliance with maritime safety regulations and the conduct of the captain and crew before and during the voyage.

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