Guyana Ferry Capsizes With 116 Aboard; 53 Rescued as Search Continues Off Pomeroon River

A ferry carrying 116 passengers capsized off the coast of Guyana late Saturday night, triggering a massive search-and-rescue operation that has so far recovered 53 survivors. The MV Barima, en route to the port of Kaituma, issued a distress signal around 11 p.m. local time near Iron Punt in the vicinity of the Pomeroon River.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, performing the functions of President, is leading the government’s high-level response. State and private-sector assets have been deployed in a coordinated effort to locate the remaining passengers and crew.

The vessel’s crew dispatched the distress call late Saturday, July 18, prompting immediate activation of emergency protocols. Rescue operations continued through the night and into Sunday morning, with the Acting President receiving continuous updates from response teams.

President Irfaan Ali confirmed that 53 persons have been rescued so far. The government’s immediate priority remains the safety and rescue of every individual on board. Officials have pledged to release further verified information as the operation progresses.

The incident has drawn widespread attention, with families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. The maritime community is rallying to support the ongoing search efforts.