Search-and-rescue operations remained active early Thursday after the passenger ferry MV Barima capsized following its departure from Georgetown, Guyana. Guyanese officials say the vessel was carrying 133 passengers and crew when it went down and that 67 people have been recovered so far, among them 15 children.
What authorities report
Guyana’s prime minister said a distress signal was received at about 11:01 p.m., prompting an immediate response by government rescue teams and privately owned boats. Officials have since expanded the search area as crews worked through the night and into the following day.
"A distress call was received at around 11:01 PM, triggering a search operation involving Government teams and privately-owned boats."
According to the same statement, the vessel was reportedly within its weight capacity at the time and was licensed to carry more than 300 passengers. Local authorities have established assistance centres to support relatives of those rescued and people still unaccounted for.
Regional and international reactions
Governments and regional bodies expressed solidarity with Guyana. Jamaica’s government publicly conveyed its sorrow over the capsizing and its impact on families. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) commended the dedication of rescue teams, noting their rapid mobilisation under difficult conditions.
- Passengers and crew on board: 133
- Recovered so far: 67 (including 15 children)
- Licensed capacity of vessel: more than 300
Authorities have not published a final casualty figure; the number of people still missing was not provided in the latest local updates. The ongoing search involves both official government resources and privately owned boats that joined the effort overnight.
Local context for Georgetown, Ontario readers
While the incident took place off the coast of Guyana, the news will be closely followed in communities in Ontario with connections to Guyana. Families seeking information should expect continued updates from Guyanese officials and from diplomatic channels. Assistance centres set up in Guyana aim to provide immediate support to relatives and may be the first point of contact for those with missing loved ones.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vessel | MV Barima |
| On board | 133 passengers and crew |
| Recovered | 67 (including 15 children) |
| Licensed capacity | More than 300 |
InfoRadar will continue to monitor official notices and statements as search-and-rescue efforts proceed and will report further developments relevant to residents of Georgetown and surrounding communities.
