A ferry carrying 116 passengers has sunk off the coast of Guyana, with eight individuals rescued so far, according to local authorities. The vessel, identified as the MV Barima, capsized near Iron Punt while en route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma.
A distress call was received at 23:01 local time, prompting an urgent search and rescue operation involving both state and private vessels. The current status of the operation remains unclear, and it is unknown if authorities anticipate further rescues.
The MV Barima, built in 1939, is approximately 40 meters (131 feet) in length. Records indicate the ferry was equipped with 250 life jackets, two rigid life crafts, and six inflatable life crafts. Prime Minister Mark Phillips is reportedly leading the government's response to the incident.