MV Barima Ferry Capsizes Off Guyana With 116 Aboard, 67 Rescued

The MV Barima ferry capsized off Guyana's northern coast late Saturday while carrying 116 passengers and crew. The vessel overturned near Iron Punt on its scheduled route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma. Authorities updated the rescued total to 67 by Sunday after earlier reports of 53 survivors.

The ferry issued a distress call at 23:01 local time. Search teams operating state and private boats continued efforts through the night. Prime Minister Mark Phillips is directing the overall government response.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill confirmed the MV Barima carried 250 life jackets, two rigid life crafts and six inflatable life crafts. The 40-meter vessel was built in 1939. Three assistance centres have been opened for relatives of rescued passengers and those still missing.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips told AFP that emergency teams expect to locate additional survivors. Those brought ashore so far include both passengers and crew. Names of all onboard will be released after rescue operations and medical checks conclude.