A gas pump in the engine room of the M.V Barima reportedly exploded on Wednesday, causing a fire aboard the vessel as it was docked at Port Kaituma.
The incident occurred around 11.30 am and resulted in a section of the vessel burning.
In a press release, the Ministry of Public Works and the Transport and Harbours Department stated that cargo was being offloaded when the gas pump in the engine room reportedly exploded.
The release further informed that the Manage-ment of T&HD, and officials of the Ministry of Public Work and Home Affairs are currently working to determine the origin of the fire and the extent of damage done to the vessel.
Additionally, the T&HD management will be engaging external engineers to assist in conducting an immediate investigation of the incident.
“All attempts will be made to ensure that the service is back in operation at the soonest possible time,” the release added.
The vessel had departed Port Georgetown last Saturday afternoon and arrived at Port Kaituma at about at about 3.10 pm on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force (GPF), in a statement, said the Chief Engineer and another team member observed smoke coming from the engine room. The report said checks were immediately made and the engine was turned off but the smoke continued to be emitted.
A team effort to put out the fire was subsequently done as public- spirited persons rendered assistance to stop the heavy smoke.
The statement said some two hours later the smoke eventually dissipated and the damage were assessed.
