Guyana ferry capsizes with 133 on board; over 60 missing as rescue operation continues

A major search-and-rescue operation was underway in Guyana on Sunday after a passenger ferry carrying 133 people capsized off the country's Atlantic coast, leaving dozens unaccounted for despite rescue teams saving scores of survivors.

The MV Barima departed Georgetown on Saturday afternoon for Port Kaituma, a town in the oil-rich Essequibo region, before overturning several hours into the journey.

According to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, initial findings suggest the vessel was struck by a large wave, causing it to capsize.

Authorities said 67 people, including 15 children, had been rescued, while the remaining 66 passengers and crew members were still listed as missing. Officials stressed that those unaccounted for were being treated as missing rather than presumed dead as rescue efforts continued.

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Passengers recount terrifying ordeal

Survivors described chaotic scenes as the ferry overturned during the night while many passengers were asleep.

Among those rescued was 18-year-old Wayne Kitson, who told local media that he spent nearly six hours in the water before being pulled to safety. Suffering minor injuries, Kitson said he feared his wife and young daughter had not survived the accident.

Rescue teams, supported by privately owned boats, continued combing the waters throughout Sunday in the hope of finding more survivors.

Questions over aging vessel

Officials said the ferry was carrying 116 passengers and 17 crew members and was equipped with 250 life jackets, two lifeboats and six inflatable life rafts.

The vessel reportedly issued a distress call about eight hours after leaving Georgetown.

According to maritime records, the MV Barima was built in 1939, raising questions about the age of the vessel, although authorities have not indicated whether it played any role in the accident.

The ferry serves communities in Essequibo, a vast, resource-rich region that has gained global attention in recent years because of major offshore oil discoveries and an ongoing territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela.

Investigations into the cause of the accident are expected to begin once rescue operations are completed.

With inputs from agencies