Ferry Carrying 116 Sinks Off Guyana, 67 Rescued So Far

A ferry carrying 116 passengers and crew sank off the coast of Guyana late Saturday, The Guardian reported. Sixty-seven people, including 15 children, have been rescued. The MV Barima departed Georgetown at about 3:15 p.m.

Saturday for Port Kaituma. , prompting a response by the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, Air Corps, private aircraft, fishing vessels and civilian volunteers. Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said preliminary investigations found the vessel operated within its legal limits.

The ferry was certified for 397 passengers and 284 tonnes of cargo and carried 268 tonnes on the manifest. It had 250 lifejackets, two lifeboats and six inflatable rafts. Edghill attributed the sinking to the tide, stating there was no engine, mechanical or overload issue.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips said the search area had been expanded from 400 square kilometres to 1,070 square kilometres, with additional aircraft and vessels deployed. The 67 survivors include 41 men, 11 women and 15 children. Survivor Adam Matabheek said he noticed the vessel leaning several hours before it capsized but dismissed it as rough water.

He, his wife Carlita and his brother Nathaniel drifted until rescued after daybreak. Carlita Matabheek, who cannot swim, became trapped inside the overturned hull before reaching a lifejacket. Nathaniel’s wife Rachel Welch and their three children remain missing.

Another survivor, Loureen Singh, shared a lifejacket with Carlita Matabheek through the night. Authorities have contacted families of all recorded passengers and crew. Emergency family assistance centres have been set up, and the search continues until all efforts are exhausted.