67 rescued after ferry capsizes off Guyana coast; search continues

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Georgetown: A government-operated ferry carrying 133 passengers and crew overturned near Guyana's North Atlantic coast, leading to a massive search and rescue operation. Authorities said that 67 individuals, including 15 children, had been rescued, while efforts to locate the other dozens of missing people continued.

The MV Barima was heading from Georgetown to the isolated northwestern town of Port Kaituma when it sent out a distress signal late Saturday night. The vessel apparently began to take on water before overturning several km offshore.

Rescue efforts continued through the night and into Sunday, with the Guyana Defence Force deploying helicopters, aircraft, coast guard vessels, and divers. Local fishing boats have also joined the search, as authorities race against the clock to locate survivors.

Officials stated the ferry was operating under its permitted passenger capacity, but investigators are looking into what caused the vessel to capsize. Authorities are also checking the passenger list after receiving allegations of irregularities, and the captain and several crew members have been held for interrogation as the inquiry proceeds.