The Government says there is no evidence at this stage to conclude that the MV Barima was overloaded at the time of the tragedy.
Responding to questions from the media, Director General of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Stephen Thomas explained that the vessel is certified to carry up to 394 passengers and 126 tonnes of cargo, depending on its loading configuration.
He added that preliminary assessments indicate the vessel’s load line—the internationally recognised indicator used to determine whether a vessel is overloaded—was only minimally submerged before departure, suggesting it was operating within acceptable limits.
He explained that vessels operating in freshwater can appear lower in the water than when operating at sea because freshwater is less dense than seawater. As a result, the load line is expected to sit differently before the vessel reaches the open sea.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips cautioned, however, that the full circumstances surrounding the incident, including weight distribution and cargo placement, will be determined through the formal investigation.