A ferry sank off the coast of Guyana: a wide-ranging operation to rescue passengers continues

A ferry carrying 116 passengers and crew sank off the coast of Guyana late into the night, triggering a large-scale search-and-rescue operation to locate all onboard. The incident occurred near the northern coast of South America, along the route between Georgetown and Port Kaituma in Region One (Barima-Waini). The vessel, identified as the MV Barima, was approximately 40 meters long and operated regularly between the capital and communities in northwest Guyana. It had departed around 15:00 local time and, shortly before midnight, transmitted a distress signal reporting a critical situation while sailing several kilometers offshore from the Essequibo coastline. The MV Barima, built in 1939, was equipped with 250 life jackets, six inflatable rafts, and two rigid emergency boats, which were intended to keep dozens of people afloat until rescue teams arrived. Despite these safety measures, the ship disappeared beneath the waves, leaving behind a dire situation. Emergency services quickly mobilized, deploying the Coast Guard, the Guyana Defence Force, aerial units from the Air Corps, and both state and private vessels. The location of the wreck was determined using the distress beacon and flares launched by the crew before the ship vanished from sight. In the early hours following the disaster, initial reports indicated only eight survivors had been recovered, based on a preliminary assessment released during the early morning. However, as the day progressed, Prime Minister Mark Phillips confirmed that the number of rescued individuals had risen to 53, including both passengers and crew members. He emphasized that the search efforts would continue, as many others remained missing. The authorities noted that the conditions for the rescue were particularly challenging, as the incident occurred during the night in an area of the ocean with limited visibility. Nevertheless, they stated that the operation did not pause at any point and would persist until all persons aboard were accounted for. To support the ongoing efforts, another boat was dispatched to the site to serve as a floating medical aid station. This vessel carries healthcare professionals and essential equipment to provide immediate care to the injured before they are transported ashore. The Ministry of Public Works, led by Minister Juan Edghill, explained that this additional resource was crucial in ensuring the well-being of those who were eventually rescued. At present, the cause of the sinking remains under investigation. No official has confirmed whether the vessel suffered a mechanical failure, encountered adverse weather conditions, or was affected by other factors. The inquiry will begin once the search operations conclude and the ship can be inspected. The government has pledged to deploy all available resources to locate the remaining missing individuals and has promised families regular updates as the operation progresses.