41 Dead, 61 Missing After Ferry Capsizes Off Guyana Coast
GEORGETOWN: A tragic ferry accident off the coast of the South American nation of Guyana has left 41 people dead, while 61 others remain missing, as search and rescue operations continue several days after the disaster.
The passenger ferry MV Barima capsized in the North Atlantic Ocean, about seven miles off the coast, while traveling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma on Saturday night.
Authorities said 77 passengers have been rescued safely, while emergency teams are continuing an extensive search for those still unaccounted for.
According to Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill, initial reports indicated that 133 people were on board. However, a detailed review of boarding footage later revealed that the ferry was carrying 179 passengers, prompting authorities to significantly expand the rescue operation.
Officials said an emergency distress message was received from the vessel at around 11:00 p.m., triggering an immediate search-and-rescue response. Rescue efforts were initially hampered by darkness, adverse weather conditions, and limited access to advanced search equipment.
Oil and gas companies later assisted by providing aircraft equipped with advanced scanning technology, while specialized diving teams have been deployed to search the submerged ferry for possible survivors and victims.
Authorities said the search area has been expanded from 400 square kilometers to 1,040 square kilometers in an effort to locate the missing passengers as quickly as possible.
