A series of internal records on the MV Barima in the months leading up to the deadly July 18 incident, suggest that the 87-year-old state-owned vessel had a long list of mechanical and electrical defects that were brought to the attention of the authorities.

Built in 1939, the vessel capsized in the Atlantic Ocean, off the Coast of Essequibo with more than 179 persons onboard. More than 100 persons lost their lives in the tragedy, with the bodies of 73 being recovered so far.

The handwritten reports, seen by News Source, spanned a period of five months, from November 17, 2025 to March 9, 2026, and in those reports, a number of defects were cited, from an out-of-service generator and defective heat exchanger to deteriorated batteries and burnt wires. The reports were compiled by the Chief Engineer of the Marine Division.

In a November 17, 2025 report, a request was made for the generator on the vessel to be serviced or repaired. It was explained that a critical switch on the generator was not working at the time.

Later than month, on November 30, 2025 there were four additional reports on the vessel.

One of the reports indicated that while the MV Barima was in Port Kaituma on November 28, 2025, the lights on the vessel shut down.

When the vessel was inspected by the engine room staff, the wires that were connected to “the change over switch” and “panel” were found to be burnt.

In a separate report on the same day, the authorities were also informed that the number one generator onboard the vessel was out of service, which was due to the fact that defective water pump and fan were out for repair. The defects were listed as critical, with “urgent” repairs needed.

In another report, a request was also made for a defective heat exchanger or keel cooler to be replaced.  The heat exchanger forms part of the engine’s cooling system. It was explained that at the time, the head exchanger was “working at a high temperature.”

“Please treat this development urgently,” those in authority were urged.  Another report for that date spoke to a “leaking exhaust” on the main engine of the vessel, with another request for repairs submitted.

In a report on February 18, 2026, a request was made for battery lugs to be ordered for the MV Barima, meanwhile on March 9, 2026, requests were made for a number of defects on the vessel to be addressed, including a broken pipe in the hatch of the vessel.

Since the tragic incident, Government has maintained that the aged vessel was “seaworthy” but as he faced the Court late last month, the Captain of the ill-fated vessel, Kevin Price, said the boat was saddled with issues.

Price along with another crew member and the loading superintendent from the Transport and Harbours Department are facing 72 counts of murder.

Meanwhile, President Irfaan Ali has launched a Commission of Inquiry into the deadly MV Barima tragedy. Among other things, the Commission is mandated to conduct a thorough, independent, impartial and comprehensive public inquiry into all circumstances surrounding the capsizing and sinking of the MV Barima on July 18, 2026.

The Commission is still to begin its work.

Related posts:

Five member MV Barima Commission of Inquiry to establish full circumstances surrounding deadly ferry tragedy Georgetown woman mourns loss of husband she met on MV Barima 23 years ago in ferry tragedy; Brother-in-law also missing 27 confirmed dead with 83 still missing in MV Barima ferry tragedy Search operation widened as hope begins to fade for more survivors from MV Barima ferry tragedy