President Dr Irfaan Ali says the responsible authorities will provide an update within one week on efforts to salvage the wreck of the MV Barima, which sank off Guyana’s coast in July 2026.

Speaking at Friday’s presidential press conference, the Head of State acknowledged that the recovery operation is technically complex and requires specialised expertise.

He explained that experts had previously advised that the operation would not be straightforward, given the nature of the work involved.

President Ali said he has requested technical updates on the salvage efforts and understands that work is continuing.

However, he acknowledged that he was unable to provide an immediate assessment of the wreck’s current position or confirm the anticipated timeframe for completing the operation.

The President recalled that an initial minimum timeframe of approximately four weeks had been discussed, although he cautioned that he could not confirm the exact estimate.

He assured that the relevant sector will provide the media with more detailed information within a week.

The MV Barima tragedy remains the subject of a Commission of Inquiry examining the circumstances surrounding the vessel’s sinking and the factors that contributed to the loss of life.

The President’s comments come as questions continue about the recovery operation and the technical challenges associated with salvaging the vessel.