Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips said the inquiry will examine a range of issues, including whether the vessel complied with maritime safety requirements, how passengers and cargo were loaded, and the actions of the captain and crew before and during the voyage.

The investigation will involve the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and technical maritime specialists.

The probe follows the discovery that some of the people rescued were not listed on the vessel’s official passenger manifest, making it more difficult for authorities to determine exactly who was aboard.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill described the discrepancies as a major obstacle to the ongoing rescue effort.

“We don’t really know the real number right now. That is why I’m outraged because it is compromising the entire search and rescue operation,” he said.

Edghill also disclosed that two crew members rescued from the vessel tested positive for cannabis during medical examinations.

He said that finding will also form part of the investigation.

Phillips warned that anyone found to have acted negligently or committed a criminal offence would be held accountable.

“Where negligence, misconduct or criminal wrongdoing is established, those responsible will face the full force of the law,” he said.

As investigators begin their work, authorities say the search for those still missing remains the immediate priority.

Phillips said all available resources continue to be deployed as rescue teams press on with the operation.

The government is also asking anyone who believes a relative travelled aboard the MV Barima but was not included on the official passenger manifest to contact the emergency hotline or one of the family assistance centres established in Georgetown, Port Kaituma and Mabaruma.

The Guyanese government has launched an investigation into the MV Barima disaster after authorities uncovered irregularities in the vessel’s passenger manifest, raising fresh questions about how many people were on board when the incident occurred.