A vessel identified as the MV Barima capsized off the coast of Guyana while traveling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma. Local officials confirmed that the ferry was carrying 116 passengers when the incident occurred near Iron Punt.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill reported that a distress signal was received at 23:01 local time, which initiated an immediate search and rescue mission involving both private and government vessels. To date, eight survivors have been recovered. It remains uncertain how many more people might be rescued as search efforts continue under the guidance of Prime Minister Mark Phillips.
VesselFinder records indicate that the MV Barima was a 40-meter (131ft) ship constructed in 1939. Minister Edghill noted that the ferry was equipped with six inflatable life rafts, two rigid life crafts, and 250 life jackets.
