Govt willing to leave MV Barima on sea floor even if there is useful evidence for probe

What this source establishes

PM Phillips "stated on Tuesday that international salvage companies were prepared to raise the ferry MV Barima, which likely contains additional remains and investigative evidence" — i.e. the government acknowledges capability exists and that evidence is inside, while deferring to families. Phillips's substitute for physical evidence of engine failure: "the crew, the people on board could say whether the engine stopped running and they had to do any repairs." This is materially significant given that the three men best placed to say so are now remanded on murder charges. Confirms the families' consultation is a.

Key claims

• [SINGLE SOURCE] PM Phillips "stated on Tuesday that international salvage companies were prepared to raise the ferry MV Barima, which likely contains additional remains and investigative evidence" — i.e. the government acknowledges capability exists and that evidence is inside, while deferring to families.
• Phillips's substitute for physical evidence of engine failure: "the crew, the people on board could say whether the engine stopped running and they had to do any repairs." This is materially significant given that the three men best placed to say so are now remanded on murder charges.
• Confirms the families' consultation is a questionnaire: "A questionnaire circulated to families asks whether they prefer salvage or designating the area as a memorial site." The archive records this as a draft 'Declaration of Agreement' circulated 25 July — likely the same instrument, described differently.
• Phillips: "if there is an indication from the families that they prefer...to have the area be deemed a memorial site, then we go with that option."
• Phillips denies concealment: "Government has nothing to hide. I can tell you up front, we have nothing to hide."
• "The Prime Minister acknowledged discrepancies regarding vessel loading, stating a Commission of Inquiry must determine if overloading occurred" — a softening of the government's earlier categorical 'not overloaded' position (MARAD, 22 July).
• "He pledged government-provided transportation for witnesses to the inquiry proceedings."
• DATE NOTE: URL slug is dated 2026/07/28; the page byline reads "Wednesday, 29 July 2026". Recorded as 28 July per URL, but the on-page date should be preserved in the record.

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