Ferry carrying 116 passengers sinks off Guyana coast, 8 rescued

MV Barima capsized near Iron Punt, leaving 116 passengers with only eight rescued, authorities confirm.

The 40‑metre (131‑foot) ferry was en route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma when the disaster occurred.

At 23:01 local time the vessel sent a distress call, prompting an urgent search that involved both state and private boats, as Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said on social media.

The exact status of the mission remains unclear; no official estimate exists on whether the remaining passengers can be rescued.

MV Barima, built in 1939, is equipped with 250 life jackets, two rigid life‑rafts and six inflatable life‑rafts, according to Edghill’s statement.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips is overseeing the government response.

Image source: Transport and Harbours Department