18-minute alert gap, muzzled rescuers highlighted as harbour master says vessel ‘sank really fast’

(Kaieteur News) – The ongoing Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the tragic sinking of the MV Barima exposed vulnerabilities and systemic communication gaps within national maritime emergency response frameworks, as acting Harbour Master Romain Seurattan, MARAD pilot trainee Shemar Morrison, and lighthouse attendant David Chisholm shared their testimonies.

Under questioning before the CoI, Seurattan revealed that MARAD was severely constrained by a lack of operational assets during the disaster, forcing state authorities to rely on private contractor WestSyde Marine to supply vessels for search and rescue operations. Seurattan, who assumed the role of acting Harbour Master in April 2026, walked the commission through the timeline of the fateful night, when he received a midnight distress call from Captain John Flores of the National Regional Coordination Centre (NRCC).

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When probed by CoI counsel regarding MARAD’s response capabilities, Seurattan admitted that the agency had only two operational vessels available at the time, a limitation that compelled them to accept civilian asset support. A coast guard officer reportedly informed the NRCC that a civilian vessel from WestSyde Marine was ready to assist.