A passenger ferry carrying exactly 116 passengers and crew members capsized off the northern coast of Guyana late Saturday night, triggering a massive search and rescue operation that has safely recovered 53 individuals so far, local authorities confirmed, according to reports from AFP and Al Jazeera.
The vessel, officially identified as the MV Barima, encountered severe maritime difficulties and issued a frantic distress signal at approximately 11 p.m. local time on Saturday. This critical incident unfolded near the coastal area known as Iron Punt while the ferry was navigating its scheduled commercial route from the national capital, Georgetown, toward the northwestern riverine settlement of Port Kaituma. Maritime officials and investigators have not yet determined the exact sequence of events or specific environmental conditions that caused the sudden overturning of the large passenger boat.
Guyana`s Prime Minister Mark Phillips provided an urgent update on the developing crisis early Sunday, confirming the initial survivor count directly to the AFP news agency. He stated that dedicated search teams had successfully pulled 53 people from the treacherous waters during the initial nighttime recovery phase. The prime minister emphasized that authorities remain hopeful about rescuing more stranded passengers and crew members as the sweeping maritime search operation takes full advantage of improved visibility during the daylight hours.
The large-scale emergency response involves a coordinated fleet, utilizing the specialized assets of the national coastguard operating closely alongside numerous private commercial vessels that quickly answered the distress call. Public Works Minister Juan Edghill released crucial details regarding the safety preparedness of the stricken vessel. He confirmed that the ferry was properly equipped for the journey, carrying an inventory of roughly 250 life jackets, eight large lifeboats, and other essential safety gear, which rescue coordinators believe will greatly sustain those still adrift in the ocean.
In anticipation of recovering more survivors, the national government has rapidly deployed an emergency medical triage team directly to the active search area. These deployed healthcare professionals are actively treating individuals for shock and exposure immediately upon their rescue from the water. Addressing the anxious nation through a public video statement, Edghill described the ongoing efforts as an intensive, active search and rescue operation, asking citizens to pray for the safe return of everyone involved.
