Guyana Ferry Carrying 116 Sinks off Coast as Rescuers Pull 53 to Safety
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jul 19
Guyana Ferry Carrying 116 Sinks off Coast as Rescuers Pull 53 to Safety
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jul 19
Summary
53 people were rescued after the MV Barima, carrying 116 passengers, sank off Guyana's coast near Iron Punt on its route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma.
A distress call at 23:01 local time triggered an urgent search involving state and private boats, but authorities have not said whether they expect to find more survivors.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said the 40-meter ferry carried 250 life jackets, two rigid life crafts and six inflatable life crafts.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips is leading the government response as officials work to clarify the scale of the disaster.