A large-scale search and rescue operation is underway off the coast of Guyana after a passenger ferry carrying 116 people sank, leaving dozens still unaccounted for despite the rescue of 67 survivors.
According to The Guardian, the accident occurred late Saturday night local time. Among those rescued are 15 children. The incident is being described as one of the deadliest maritime disasters in Guyana’s history.
The MV Barima departed Georgetown on Saturday afternoon for Port Kaituma in the Essequibo region. Rescue operations began shortly after an emergency distress signal was received at around 11:00 p.m., involving the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, the Air Corps, privately operated aircraft, fishing vessels and local volunteers.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said preliminary investigations found no evidence that the ferry was overloaded with either passengers or cargo. Authorities have also found no indication of engine failure or other mechanical defects. He said strong tidal conditions are currently considered the most likely cause of the accident.
Government officials said the ferry had a certified capacity of 397 passengers and 284 tonnes of cargo. At the time of the incident, it was carrying 268 tonnes of cargo. The vessel was also equipped with 250 life jackets, two lifeboats and six inflatable life rafts for emergency situations.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips announced that the search operation has been significantly expanded. The search area has increased from 400 square kilometres to 1,070 square kilometres, with additional aircraft, vessels and experienced local fishermen joining the operation.
Among the survivors are 41 men, 11 women and 15 children. Authorities said they have contacted the families of everyone listed on the passenger manifest and pledged to continue search and rescue efforts until every missing person has been accounted for.
Source: The Guardian.