Ferry carrying 116 people capsizes off Guyana; at least 53 rescued

MADRID (AP) — A ferry carrying 116 passengers and crew capsized in Guyana, with 53 people rescued so far, authorities said Sunday.

The MV Barima was sailing from the capital, Georgetown, along the North Atlantic coast to Port Kaituma, said Guyanese Prime Minister Mark Phillips.

A distress call was received at 11:01 p.m. local time, which prompted a search and rescue operation involving state and private boats, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said on Facebook.

Authorities said the vessel capsized near the Pomeroon River.

Details of the search-and-rescue operation were not clear, or if there were any dead, but Guyanese officials said they expect more passengers to be rescued.

Edghill said the vessel was fitted with 250 life jackets, two rigid life rafts and six inflatable life rafts.

Phillips is leading the government’s response.