Public hearings into the MV Barima tragedy in Guyana are expected to begin once the Commission of Inquiry completes the necessary legal and administrative arrangements.

In an interview with Guyana’s Department of Public Information (DPI) on Thursday, Attorney Javid Shadick, secretary to the Commission, said that the secretariat is working through the requirements that will guide the hearings.

“They’re working on checking the legal aspects,” Shadick said as he explained the Commission is considering the different scenarios that could arise during the proceedings.

A public notice will be issued once the arrangements are finalised, outlining how the hearings will be conducted and providing details for the public and media.

The five-member Commission of Inquiry was appointed by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali to investigate the circumstances surrounding the capsizing and sinking of the MV Barima which occurred on July 18

It is chaired by Belizean Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith. The other members are Dr Andrzej Jasionowski of Poland, Jamaican Captain Hamada Fouda, Trinidad and Tobago attorney Nyree Dawn Alfonso and Trinidad and Tobago Rear Admiral (Retired) Hayden Pritchard.

A total of 76 passengers and crew members have been rescued, while 73 people have been confirmed dead and another 30 remain unaccounted for.

Meanwhile, the government is moving ahead with plans to recover the sunken vessel. 

The Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, through the Maritime Administration Department, is seeking a specialised marine salvage contractor for the operation.

The MV Barima lies in approximately 13 to 15 metres of water.

Strong tidal currents, limited underwater visibility and challenging sea conditions are among the factors expected to complicate the salvage effort.