Potniški trajekt s 116 potniki potone ob obali Gvajane

A passenger ferry carrying 116 people sank off the coast of Guyana early Sunday, prompting a large-scale search and rescue effort. The vessel, identified as the MV Barima, sent a distress signal late Saturday while traveling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma. At least 53 individuals were rescued following the incident, which has raised concerns over safety standards for older ferries operating in the region. The emergency unfolded after the MV Barima reportedly began taking on water during its journey. A distress call was made around 11 p.m. local time, prompting immediate action from Guyana's coast guard and nearby private boats. Authorities confirmed that the vessel had capsized, though the exact cause of the sinking remained unclear initially. Survivors were being transported to shore, with reports indicating that some had been treated for injuries before being taken to medical facilities. Prime Minister Mark Phillips addressed the situation through a statement to AFP, emphasizing that the search and rescue efforts would continue into the day. He shared updates and photographs of the ongoing operations via his Facebook page, providing real-time information to the public. Meanwhile, Juan Edghill, a government minister, announced that medical teams had arrived at the scene to assist those rescued. According to Edghill, the MV Barima was equipped with 250 life jackets, two rigid life rafts, and six inflatable life rafts, suggesting that safety measures were in place prior to the incident. The MV Barima, constructed in 1939, is approximately 40 meters long and has been in regular service between Georgetown and Port Kaituma. This route serves several communities within Guyana’s North West District, often transporting both passengers and cargo. Information from the maritime tracking website VesselFinder indicates that the ferry had been in operation for many years, raising questions about its maintenance and compliance with modern safety regulations. As the rescue operation continued, officials worked to determine how many people might still be missing. The initial count of 53 rescued individuals suggested that more than half of the passengers and crew had survived the ordeal. However, the fate of the remaining 63 individuals remained uncertain, with search efforts ongoing. Local authorities expressed hope that additional survivors could be found as daylight allowed for more thorough searches. The incident has sparked discussions about the safety of aging ferries used in regional transport. While the MV Barima had been operational for decades, recent scrutiny may lead to reviews of its condition and the adequacy of safety protocols. Officials have yet to comment publicly on whether the vessel met current standards or if there were any known issues prior to the accident. In the days following the disaster, focus will shift toward investigating the circumstances leading to the sinking. This includes examining the ferry’s maintenance records, the training of its crew, and the effectiveness of emergency response procedures. Families of the missing are likely to seek answers, and pressure may mount on authorities to ensure such incidents do not occur again. The outcome of these investigations could influence future policies regarding maritime safety in Guyana.