A ferry with 116 passengers and crew onboard has overturned near Guyana’s coast, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation, according to the country’s public works minister, Juan Edghill. Edghill revealed in a live Facebook post that eight individuals from the MV Barima had been rescued. Additional support is being dispatched to the area for emergency medical assistance.
Following a distress call at 11:01 pm local time, emergency response teams, including private and State assets, were swiftly mobilized. Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan, confirmed the deployment of Air Corps and Coast Guard teams to the scene. The vessel was en route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma when the incident occurred. The Ministry of Public Works stated that the MV Barima was equipped with safety gear, including life jackets and life craft.
The search and rescue mission is ongoing, with hopes for the safe recovery of all individuals involved.
