Rescuers in Guyana are racing to find dozens of people missing at sea after a ferry carrying 116 passengers and crew capsized off the country’s coast, according to local authorities.
The MV Barima, which issued a distress call at about 11pm on Saturday (03:00 GMT on Sunday), capsized near Iron Punt while travelling from Guyana’s capital Georgetown to Port Kaituma.
- list 1 of 3Migrants ‘feared for their lives’ as Libyan gunmen fired on rescue ship
- list 2 of 3Pope Leo urges migrant protection, integration on visit to Lampedusa
- list 3 of 3Guyana votes in elections amid oil boom debate and Venezuela tensions
end of list
Guyana’s Prime Minister Mark Phillips told the AFP news agency on Sunday that 53 people had been rescued. He said authorities expected to rescue more people as the search operation progresses during daylight hours.
The operation involves Guyana’s coastguard and private vessels, according to Guyana’s Public Works Minister Juan Edghill.
Edghill said the ferry was equipped with some 250 life jackets, eight lifeboats and other safety gear.
He added that a medical team was being dispatched to the search area to treat people “as soon as they are rescued”.
“There is an active search and rescue operation that is taking place, and we pray for the safety of all,” Edghill said in a video post shared on Facebook.
The circumstances surrounding the boat accident were not immediately clear.
Related News
EU urges Israel to halt settlement expansion as settlers attack children
US hits Iran for eighth consecutive night, Iran returns fire on Gulf bases
Trump Media reportedly mulling fee for first access to social media posts
