Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jul 19
Guyana Rescuers Search for 63 Missing After Ferry With 116 Onboard Capsizes
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jul 19

Guyana Rescuers Search for 63 Missing After Ferry With 116 Onboard Capsizes

3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jul 19

Summary

  • Fifty-three people were rescued after the MV Barima capsized near Iron Punt late Saturday while sailing from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, leaving 63 people unaccounted for.
  • An 11pm distress call triggered a search involving Guyana’s coastguard and private vessels, with officials expecting more rescues once daylight improves conditions.
  • Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said the ferry carried about 250 life jackets, eight lifeboats and other safety equipment, and a medical team was being sent to treat survivors at sea.
  • The cause of the capsize was not immediately clear, adding uncertainty as Guyana pushes a continuing rescue operation off its coast.

Insights

Was the sinking of the historic MV Barima a tragic accident or an inevitable infrastructure disaster?
With twice the needed life jackets, why are 63 people still missing from the 89-year-old ferry?