GUYANA - The MV Barima, carrying 116 passengers, capsized near Iron Punt, Pomeroon, late Saturday night while en route to Port Kaituma, triggering a frantic overnight search-and-rescue operation involving both state and private resources.
Edghill said the vessel, which operates the Georgetown–North West District route, departed Georgetown at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Saturday. At around 11:00 p.m., Timehri Air Traffic Control Towers received a distress call, prompting an immediate emergency response. The minister said a full-scale rescue operation was launched, with the Guyana Defence Force, Coast Guard and private vessels mobilised to the scene. He also disclosed that the MV Barima was equipped with more than 200 life jackets. Rescue efforts continued into Sunday morning as authorities worked to account for all passengers aboard the ill-fated vessel. The cause of the accident was not immediately known. 53 persons have been rescued so far, following the Search and Rescue Operation in response to the distress sign received from the MV Barima. (Kaieteurnews)
