Guyana Ferry Capsize: 67 Rescued As Search Continues For Passengers Of MV Barima

A Guyana ferry carrying 116 passengers and crew members capsized off the country’s northern coast , triggering a major multi agency rescue operation, with 67 people rescued so far, including 15 children , as authorities continue searching for others missing after the incident.

The MV Barima was travelling from the capital Georgetown to Port Kaituma along Guyana’s North Atlantic coast when it sent a distress call at 11:01 pm local time on Saturday (3:01 am GMT Sunday) . The vessel capsized near the Pomeroon River area , prompting the deployment of state and private boats, aviation assets and emergency teams.

Guyanese Prime Minister Mark Phillips is overseeing the government response, with the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, Maritime Administration Department and private operators involved in the search operation. Authorities said their priority remains locating and rescuing all passengers and crew members.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said preliminary accounts suggested the ferry may have been hit by a large wave that caused the vessel to tilt , although a formal investigation will determine the exact cause. Officials are also examining whether any external impact contributed to the capsizing.

The MV Barima was equipped with 250 life jackets, two rigid life rafts and six inflatable life rafts , according to officials. Medical response centres have been activated in affected regions to treat rescued passengers, while authorities have urged the public to rely only on verified updates.

The ferry, which regularly serves communities between Georgetown and Port Kaituma, was carrying 17 crew members along with passengers when the accident occurred. No confirmed deaths have been reported so far, and rescue teams remain hopeful of finding more survivors.