Ferry capsizes off Guyana leaving 66 people missing

A ferry carrying more than 100 people capsized off the coast of Guyana, leaving 66 people missing, according to officials. The incident occurred on Saturday evening near the capital, Georgetown, en route to the town of Port Kaituma, which lies inland in the oil-rich Essequibo region. The vessel, named MV Barima, departed Saturday afternoon with 133 individuals onboard, including 116 passengers and 17 crew members. Rescue efforts continued through Sunday as search teams scanned the waters for survivors. The MV Barima, a 74-year-old vessel originally constructed in 1939, was reportedly caught in rough seas when a large wave caused it to capsize. Public Works Minister Juan Edghill confirmed the accident via social media, stating that search and rescue operations were ongoing. As of Sunday, 67 people had been recovered, including 15 children. Among those rescued was 18-year-old Wayne Kitson, who described the ordeal as traumatic. He recounted that the disaster struck while passengers were asleep and feared that his wife and daughter perished in the crash. Kitson sustained minor injuries to his arm, leg, and neck and spent six hours in the water before being found. The ferry was equipped with 250 life jackets, two lifeboats, and six inflatable rafts, though it remains unclear how many were used during the emergency. A distress call was received approximately eight hours after the voyage began, prompting immediate action from local authorities. Private vessels have since joined government teams in the search for additional survivors, expanding the scope of the operation. Officials have listed the remaining 66 individuals as missing rather than deceased, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding their fate. The MV Barima's route followed the Atlantic coastline before turning inland toward the dense jungles of the Essequibo region. This area, spanning 160,000 square kilometers, is known for its vast oil reserves and has long been a point of contention between Guyana and Venezuela. The geopolitical tensions add another layer of complexity to the current crisis, highlighting the broader challenges faced by the region. While the focus remains on the safety and recovery of those affected, the incident underscores the vulnerabilities associated with aging maritime infrastructure in remote areas. Rescue teams continue to work under difficult conditions, navigating unpredictable weather and challenging terrain. The involvement of private vessels reflects both the urgency of the situation and the limited resources available to the national coast guard. Local news outlets such as Kiskadee Watch have reported firsthand accounts from survivors, providing critical insight into the unfolding tragedy. These narratives emphasize the human cost of the disaster and the emotional toll on families and communities. As the search continues, the fate of the 66 missing individuals remains uncertain. The condition of the wrecked ferry and the environmental impact of the incident are still under investigation. With no further updates yet, the situation remains fluid, and the outcome of the search will likely shape the response from both local and international bodies. For now, the focus remains on the ongoing efforts to locate all those lost at sea.