Ferry carrying 116 passengers sinks off Guyana coast, authorities say

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.