MV Barima CoI: “Fourth raft had 11 survivors” – fisherman recounts dramatic rescue

After several days away from the witness stand, the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the MV Barima tragedy resumed proceedings today, returning its focus to the circumstances surrounding the incident and the measures needed to strengthen maritime safety. After searching three empty rafts in the waters off the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) fisherman Haresh Singh and his crew finally located 11 survivors from the sunken MV Barima in a fourth raft, bringing them safely ashore in the early morning of July 19.

Haresh Singh, a fisherman with about 40 years of experience, recounted his involvement in the search-and-rescue operation following the MV Barima incident.

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The 51-year-old, who owns two fishing boats, said he received a call from Region Two Regional Chairman Devin Mohan on the night of July 18, requesting his assistance in rescuing passengers aboard the vessel. Singh is a well-known fisherman throughout the region, with extensive familiarity with the waters around Hampton Court, where he frequently operates. His years of fishing in the area have given him an intimate knowledge of its waterways, making him a valuable resource in the search-and-rescue effort.