Prime minister updates families as search continues for MV Barima passengers

What this source establishes

The state's most precise early timeline and its only public inventory in this manifest of the vessel's lifesaving equipment. Attributed to the Ministry of Public Works, it fixes departure from Parika at approximately 3:15 p.m. and the distress call at around 11:01 p.m., nearly eight hours later. Edghill states the vessel carried 250 life jackets, two rigid life rafts and six inflatable life rafts, a specific safety-equipment claim made against a complement later revised to 179.

Official statement recorded in this source

Per the Ministry of Public Works, the vessel departed Parika at approximately 3:15 p.m. Saturday with 116 passengers and 17 crew; a distress call was received at around 11:01 p.m.; the vessel was equipped with 250 life jackets, two rigid life rafts and six inflatable life rafts.

Figures cited in this source

116 passengers and 17 crew aboard; 67 rescued including 15 children

Key claims

• According to the Ministry of Public Works, the vessel departed Parika at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Saturday with 116 passengers and 17 crew bound for Port Kaituma.
• A distress call was received at around 11:01 p.m., triggering an immediate emergency response.
• Minister Edghill: "Emergency operations kicked into gear with the use of state and private assets."
• Edghill said the vessel was equipped with 250 life jackets, two rigid life rafts and six inflatable life rafts.
• A government transport steamer is serving as a floating base to provide immediate medical care to rescued passengers.
• Minister Edghill: "There is an active search and rescue operation that is taking place, and we pray for the safety of all."
• 67 people, including 15 children, were rescued.

Quotations

• “Emergency operations kicked into gear with the use of state and private assets”— Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works
• “There is an active search and rescue operation that is taking place, and we pray for the safety of all”— Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works
• “the government is mobilising every available resource as an extensive search-and-rescue operation continues”— Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips, Prime Minister

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