Ferry capsizes off Guyana with 133 people aboard; dozens missing

A government ferry carrying 133 passengers and crew overturned in Guyana, prompting a massive search and rescue operation for dozens of people still missing. As of Sunday, authorities reported that 67 individuals had been rescued from the waters off the North Atlantic coast.

The vessel, identified as the MV Barima, was traveling from the capital, Georgetown, to Port Kaituma when it encountered trouble shortly before midnight on Saturday. Guyana's Prime Minister Mark Phillips is leading the government's response. The rescued group consists of 41 men, 11 women, and 15 children. Officials have not yet commented on fears for the safety of those still unaccounted for.

Helicopters, planes, and fishing vessels are scouring a vast area of 2,590 square kilometers in the ongoing search efforts. The MV Barima departed shortly after 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. A distress call was received at 11:01 p.m., initiating a coordinated rescue operation involving both state and private boats.

The ferry, which makes weekly trips to communities primarily inhabited by indigenous peoples near Venezuela, capsized near the Pomeroon River. Public Works Minister Juan Edghill stated that the vessel was equipped with 250 life jackets, two rigid life rafts, and six inflatable life rafts. He denied claims that the ferry might have overturned due to being overloaded with passengers or cargo.

"It had to do with the tide," the minister said, referencing statements from rescued passengers. The cause of the capsizing remains under investigation.

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It had to do with the tide.