MV Barima salvage operation: Venezuelan diver died of heart attack – contractor

A 66-year-old Venezuelan diver who died during operations to recover the sunken MV Barima suffered a heart attack, with a doctor attached to the salvage operation also confirming that he had a pre-existing medical condition.

BK International, the company contracted to salvage the vessel, disclosed the findings on Monday, identifying the deceased as Luis Martinez, an employee of Venezuelan subcontractor Salvamentos del Caribe C.A.

Full coverageLuis Martinez Dies During MV Barima Salvage Operation off Essequibo Coast8 reports

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In a statement issued by BK Group Executive Chairman Brian Tiwarie, the company said a resident full-time doctor onboard the salvage operation confirmed that Martinez had suffered a heart attack. The doctor also reported that the diver had a pre-existing medical condition, although the specific condition was not disclosed.