Guyana ferry carrying 116 people capsizes; more than 50 rescued
A ferry capsized off the coast of Guyana with 116 people on board. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with 53 people rescued so far.
Rescuers in Guyana are searching for dozens of missing people after a ferry carrying 116 passengers and crew capsized off the country's coast on Saturday night. The MV Barima issued a distress call at about 11pm local time (03:00 GMT Sunday) near Iron Punt while traveling from the capital Georgetown to Port Kaituma.
Guyana's Prime Minister Mark Phillips told AFP on Sunday that 53 people had been rescued, expressing hope that more would be found as the search continues in daylight. Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said the operation involves the coast guard and private vessels.
Edghill noted the ferry was equipped with about 250 life jackets, eight lifeboats, and other safety gear. A medical team has been dispatched to the search area to treat survivors as they are rescued. "There is an active search and rescue operation taking place, and we pray for the safety of all," Edghill said in a video posted on Facebook. The circumstances of the accident remain unclear.
