Guyana ferry capsizes, 53 rescued as search continues

A ferry carrying 116 people capsized off the coast of Guyana overnight, triggering a major search and rescue operation that has so far saved dozens of passengers and crew. The vessel, the MV Barima, sank near Iron Punt while traveling from the capital, Georgetown, to Port Kaituma.

According to authorities, a distress call was received at approximately 11:01 p.m. local time on Saturday, July 18, which was 3:01 a.m. GMT on Sunday, July 19. Public Works Minister Juan Edghill stated that the ferry had departed Georgetown at 3:15 p.m. local time on Saturday. The government's emergency response system was immediately activated, deploying both state and private assets to the scene.

Guyana's Prime Minister Mark Phillips confirmed on Sunday that 53 people had been rescued. Earlier reports from Minister Edghill indicated eight persons had been retrieved alive, a figure that was later updated as the operation progressed. The search for the remaining passengers and crew is ongoing and involves the Guyana Defence Force's Coast Guard and Air Corps, along with private vessels. A medical team has been dispatched aboard another vessel to provide emergency treatment to survivors as they are recovered.