Ferry carrying 116 passengers sinks off Guyana coast, authorities say

A ferry carrying 116 passengers sank off the coast of Guyana and eight people have been rescued so far, local officials said.

MV Barima capsized near Iron Punt en route from Georgetown to Kaituma Harbour.

In a statement posted on social media, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said a distress call was received at 23:01 local time (03:01 +1 BST), triggering an urgent search operation involving government and private boats.

The status of the operation is currently unclear and it is unknown whether authorities expect to rescue the remaining passengers.

According to the listing on VesselFinder, MV Barima was built in 1939 and was 40 m (131 ft) long.

Edghill said it was equipped with 250 life jackets, two rigid lifeboats and six inflatable lifeboats.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips is said to be leading the government’s response.