A ferry with 116 passengers and crew onboard has overturned near Guyana’s coast, prompting an extensive search and rescue operation, according to the country’s public works minister, Juan Edghill. Edghill informed through a live broadcast on Facebook that eight individuals from the MV Barima have been rescued. He mentioned that another ferry is en route to provide immediate medical assistance.
Following a distress call received at 11:01 pm local time (4:01 am UK time), both private and state emergency response assets were activated. Edghill emphasized the ongoing search and rescue efforts and expressed hopes for the safety of all involved.
Brigadier Omar Khan, Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), confirmed the deployment of the Air Corps and Coast Guard to the incident location. Khan stated to local media outlet Demerara Waves that air and marine teams were swiftly mobilized.
The ferry was en route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, departing at 3 pm on Saturday. The Public Works Ministry disclosed that the MV Barima was equipped with 250 life jackets, two rigid life craft, and six inflatable life craft.