Ferry MV Barima capsizes off Guyana coast, 133 on board

Sun Sep 06 2026 06:32:21 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A 40‑m ferry carrying 116 passengers and 17 crew sinks off Guyana, leaving dozens missing as rescue teams search for survivors.

The MV Barima, a 40‑metre vessel built in 1939, capsized after departing Georgetown in Guyana, taking with it 116 passengers and 17 crew. Sixty‑seven survivors were recovered, including 15 children, but dozens remain missing. A distress call went out at 23:01 local time, sparking a coordinated search by government crews and private boats. The Prime Minister said the ferry was within its weight capacity and licensed for more than 300 passengers. Assistance centres have been established for relatives of the rescued and those still missing.

Ferry MV Barima capsizes off Guyana coast, 133 on board

A 40‑metre passenger ferry struck the water off Iron Punt after leaving Georgetown, leaving 116 passengers and 17 crew aboard. 67 people—including 15 children—have been rescued, while dozens are still missing.

At 23:01 local time a distress call triggered a search operation involving government teams and private boats. Prime Minister Mark Phillips said the boat had been within its weight capacity and was licensed to hold more than 300 passengers. The captain was among the rescued and has returned to support the expanded search.

Veteran Minister Juan Edghill noted the vessel is equipped with 250 life jackets, two rigid life‑rafts and six inflatable life‑rafts. When built in 1939 it measured 40 m (131 ft) long.

Assistance centres are awaiting relatives of the rescued and those still missing. Names of passengers will be released once the rescue and medical checks are complete.