The Government has finally moved to recover the MV Barima from the seabed, weeks after initially appearing reluctant to undertake a full operation to raise the 87-year-old vessel. The decision comes only after mounting public pressure, demands from grieving families for the wreck to be raised and examined and proposal from Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed to fund the project in the face of government’s refusal.

In maritime terminology, “salvage” is the broader technical term for the recovery of a vessel or property in danger. It can encompass locating, stabilising, refloating, lifting, towing, recovering cargo or property, controlling pollution and other measures associated with recovering or protecting a wreck. Thus, raising the MV Barima from the seabed would be a central component of the wider salvage operation.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips announced that the Government’s Expression of Interest (EOI) process closed on Friday, August 14, – it was announced August 1- with submissions now set to undergo evaluation before a contractor is selected and negotiations begin.