Sixty-seven individuals have been rescued while several others remain unaccounted for following the sinking of a ferry that was carrying 116 passengers and 17 crew members.
Among the survivors are fifteen children who were saved after the MV Barima overturned off the coast of Guyana, as confirmed by local authorities. The vessel was en route from the capital, Georgetown, when a distress call was received at 11:03 pm local time on Saturday.
A search operation was promptly initiated, involving both government agencies and privately-owned boats, as stated by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill. The search efforts continued into Sunday afternoon, with hopes of locating all individuals who were aboard the ferry.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips disclosed that the rescued individuals comprise 41 men, 11 women, and the boat’s captain. The captain has since returned to assist in the expanded rescue operation, which saw the search area more than double on Sunday.
Phillips also confirmed that the ferry was operating within its weight limit at the time of the incident and was authorized to accommodate over 300 passengers. Once medical assessments and rescue missions are finalized, the identities of all passengers will be disclosed.