GDF Coast Guard’s intervention resulted in 26 rescued after Barima distress alert triggered emergency response – COI hears

A satellite distress alert linked to the MV Barima set off a chain of emergency communications and a Coast Guard rescue response, with 26 people reported saved by 5:30 the following morning, the Commission of Inquiry heard on Wednesday.

Officers at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport’s control tower described what they did after receiving the alert. They first mapped the coordinates of the signals and passed that information on to the Guyana Defence Force’s Coast Guard. They continued providing the updated locations through the night.

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The commission heard that the beacon aboard the MV Barima was registered in the United States, but its registration record lacked owner and contact information identifying it as being on the Barima. Witnesses said the absence of that information prevented them from contacting the owner directly.