Unanswered Distress Calls, Empty Life Rafts Raise Questions at MV Barima Inquiry

Repeated attempts to contact the MV Barima after a distress alert went unanswered, while a witness told the Commission of Inquiry that Public Works Minister Juan Edghill cautioned rescuers against releasing photographs that could create a media stir, raising further questions about the handling of the July 18 ferry disaster.

Lighthouse attendant David Chisholm testified that he repeatedly attempted to contact the ferry by VHF radio after receiving a distress alert but received no response. He said he relayed the alert to his superiors and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre before continuing his attempts to reach the vessel on the Harbour Master’s instructions.

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His testimony places the handling of distress communications under scrutiny, with the inquiry tasked with establishing when the alerts were received, how they were relayed and what action followed.