Ferry capsizes off Guyana, 53 rescued so far

A ferry carrying 116 passengers and crew capsized in Guyana and 53 people have been rescued so far, officials said.

Guyana Prime Minister Mark Phillips said MV Barima set sail from the capital Georgetown to Kaituma Port along the North Atlantic coast.

A distress call was received, prompting a search and rescue operation involving government and private boats, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said on Facebook.

Authorities said the ship capsized near the Pomeroon River.

Details of the search and rescue operation or whether there were any casualties were unclear, but Guyanese officials said they expected more passengers to be rescued.

Edghill said the ship had 250 life jackets, two rigid life rafts and six inflatable life rafts.

Phillips is leading the government’s response.