(Kaieteur News) – A paper trail of internal maintenance logs, stamped requisitions, and urgent technical reports spanning nearly a year has exposed as false statements made by Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill, confirming that maritime authorities were repeatedly warned of systemic mechanical failures prior to the July 18 disaster that claimed over 100 lives.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), Minister Edghill, during a press briefing on July 20, dismissed allegations that the vessel was unfit for sea, asserting, “There was no report of any kind that suggested the vessel was unseaworthy. It was in line for dry docking in keeping with the schedule.”

However, official internal correspondence sent directly to the Chief Mechanical Engineer (CME) and the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) Marine Office in Kingston tells a drastically different story. A review of the records identified 20 complaints of engine-related issues and eight generator-related failures, all stamped and signed by the Shore Chief Engineer and the vessel’s captain, and addressed to the Marine Superintendent.