Repeated radio calls to MV Barima went unanswered – COI hears

Repeated attempts to contact the MV Barima by radio around midnight went unanswered after a distress alert concerning the vessel was received, Lighthouse Attendant David Chisholm told the Commission of Inquiry (COI) on Wednesday.

Chisholm, who is attached to the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), said he attempted to reach the vessel on very high frequency (VHF) Channel 16 on the Harbour Master’s instructions.

He reported the unsuccessful attempts to the Harbour Master and continued trying to establish communication.

Testifying about the events of July 18, 2026, Chisholm said he received a distress alert via WhatsApp at approximately 11:01 pm and forwarded it to his superior, the Chief Pilot, and Captain Flores of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC).

He said additional distress alerts were received and passed to the MRCC during his overnight shift, which ended at 8 am the following morning.

Chisholm also outlined the work of the Lighthouse Department, which he said operates from the top floor of the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown.

Personnel use VHF radio, WhatsApp and a shipping application known as Ship Info to support vessel monitoring and maritime communications, while vessel movements and operational activities are recorded in logbooks and computer records.

He explained that two attendants work each 12-hour shift, sharing responsibility for data entry and monitoring communications. Relevant information is handed over when shifts change.

The department also facilitates pilot bookings for vessels entering and leaving the harbour, passing information supplied by shipping agents to the Chief Pilot. [DPI]