Efforts begin to reposition sunken MV Barima to allow better access for divers

Efforts to reposition the sunken MV Barima ferry started this morning with the support of marine assets from the Guyana Defence Force's Coast Guard and a number of other agencies. Divers, who have been working at the site of the sunken ferry, encountered difficulties during their attempts to board the vessel under water. Once the vessel is lifted from the floor of the ocean, it will be brought closer to the shoreline. In an update last evening, President Irfaan Ali said there will be no letting up on the recovery efforts. “We are not giving up on recovery, and we are not giving up on rescue, as you are aware we were trying to and we are still trying to get inside of vessel, unfortunately the strength of the current did not allow us to make the type of progress we were anticipating, they will be working with the different tides and we hope that we will make more progress when it comes to the vessel, getting inside of the vessel and trying to recover as much as possible from the vessel,’ the President noted. The President assured that no stone will be left unturned in recovering every body. Authorities overseeing the operation have said the safety of the divers remains the highest priority, and that no unnecessary risks will be taken during the rescue mission. Specialized equipment and additional support will also be deployed to assist in the efforts. “We are hoping that at least by mid afternoon tomorrow (today) we can get into that vessel, we are hoping by God’s grace and with better tidal conditions we could be able to achieve that,” the President said. Security and Maritime officials are continuing to monitor the operation while investigators are continuing their work to determine the true cause of the tragedy.