Oct 7, 2026
3 min read
The salvage operation for the MV Barima could begin this month as the Commission of Inquiry into the vessel’s capsizing and sinking works to conclude arrangements for its recovery, Commissioner Dr Andrzej Jasionowski said on Wednesday.
Speaking at the opening of the Commission’s preliminary hearing at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Jasionowski said negotiations for the salvage operation were nearing completion and could be concluded within days.
“The negotiations and conclusion of that undertaking is still ongoing but I was made to understand that it is a matter of days that this would be concluded and that the salvage operations will commence possibly this month,” he said.
The MV Barima capsized and sank on July 18, killing 73 people, while 30 remain missing.
The Commission said its work will extend beyond determining the cause of the tragedy, with its findings expected to inform reforms to the maritime sector.
Commissioner Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Hayden Pritchard said the inquiry’s conclusions would remain important regardless of whether the vessel is recovered.
“Whether it’s retrieved or not, there’s still a lot of work and conclusions that could be arrived at,” he said, adding that the findings would be critical to improving maritime safety.
Chairman Godfrey Smith said the Commission’s mandate includes identifying weaknesses and recommending measures to strengthen maritime safety and prevent a recurrence.
The inquiry will examine the vessel’s seaworthiness and safety, passenger and cargo operations, crew qualifications and decision-making, search, rescue and recovery efforts, regulatory and institutional oversight, and human factors.
Smith said the Commission would assess whether the Barima was fit for the voyage, how passengers and cargo were loaded, the adequacy of lifesaving equipment, crew decisions and the effectiveness of the emergency response.
“Our responsibility is to identify and examine those matters fairly and precisely, to follow the evidence wherever it leads and to frankly and fearlessly report our findings,” Smith said.
The Commission said it has not reached any predetermined conclusions and will assess evidence relating to the vessel, its operators and regulatory agencies.
Smith also said interim recommendations could be submitted to President Irfaan Ali before the final report if deemed necessary to protect public safety.
The inquiry will also examine legislation, regulations, institutional responsibilities, training and certification, emergency-response arrangements and maritime infrastructure.
