In brief
The MV Barima, a 40‑metre vessel built in 1939, capsized near Iron Punt on its route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, leaving 116 passengers aboard. An emergency distress call at 23:01 local time triggered a search involving state and private boats. Only eight people have been rescued to date, and the fate of the remaining passengers remains uncertain. The ferry was equipped with 250 life jackets, two rigid lifeboats, and six inflatable lifeboats. Prime Minister Mark Phillips is leading the government response.
A 40‑metre ferry, the MV Barima, capsized near Iron Punt on its route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, leaving 116 people aboard and only eight rescued so far.
The incident was reported at 23:01 local time (03:01 UTC+1), prompting an emergency search involving state and private vessels, according to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill.
The MV Barima, built in 1939 and measuring 40 m (131 ft) long, was equipped with 250 life‑jackets, two rigid lifeboats and six inflatable lifeboats.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips is spearheading the government’s response, though the status of the remaining passengers remains uncertain.
