The MV Barima, a ferry carrying 116 passengers and crew, has capsized off the coast of Guyana, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation, according to the country's public works minister, Juan Edghill.
Eight Rescued Alive
In a Facebook Live post, Edghill confirmed that eight individuals aboard the MV Barima had been "retrieved alive." He stated that another ferry was being dispatched to the area to provide emergency treatment and care. "The medical services are on board one of our Transport (and Harbours Department) steamers, heading to the area to provide a base to start providing medical attention to those who require as soon as they are rescued," he said.
Distress Call and Response
A distress call was received at 11:01 p.m. local time (4:01 a.m. BST), after which the emergency response system, including private and state assets, was activated. "There is an active search and rescue operation that is taking place and we pray for the safety of all," Edghill added.
Brigadier Omar Khan, Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), confirmed that the Air Corps and Coast Guard had been deployed to the location. "A tough morning. Air and marine teams mobilised," he told local media outlet Demerara Waves. A search and rescue aircraft was seen over the area where the MV Barima reported severe distress.
Vessel Details
The ferry was traveling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, having departed at 3 p.m. on Saturday. The Public Works Ministry reported that the MV Barima was equipped with 250 life jackets, two rigid life craft, and six inflatable life craft.
