**Passenger Ferry Sinks Off the Coast of Guyana, Search and Rescue Underway**
*Georgetown, Guyana – July 19, 2026* – A distressing incident unfolded late Saturday night when the MV Barima, a passenger ferry carrying 116 individuals, began sinking off the coast of Guyana. The vessel, which was en route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, sent out a distress call just after 11 PM local time, prompting a swift response from the Guyanese coast guard and nearby private vessels.
As of the latest reports, at least 53 passengers have been rescued, with ongoing efforts to locate and assist the remaining individuals. Prime Minister Mark Phillips confirmed the active search and rescue operation, stating that efforts would continue into daylight hours, with hopes that the number of rescued individuals would increase.
In a statement shared via social media, Phillips provided updates on the operation and shared images of rescue efforts. He emphasized the commitment of the government to ensure the safety of all passengers involved in the incident.
Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill also addressed the situation in a video posted on Facebook, detailing the measures being taken to assist survivors. Medical teams have been dispatched to the area to provide care for those rescued and brought ashore by the coast guard and other responding vessels.
The MV Barima, which has been in operation since 1939, measures approximately 40 meters in length. It is a vital link for communities in Guyana's North West District, regularly transporting both passengers and cargo between Georgetown and Port Kaituma.
According to Edghill, the ferry was equipped with 250 life jackets, two rigid life rafts, and six inflatable life rafts, indicating that safety measures were in place. However, the circumstances surrounding the sinking remain unclear, and investigations are likely to follow once the immediate rescue operations conclude.
The incident has raised concerns about maritime safety in the region, particularly regarding older vessels like the MV Barima that are still in operation. As the search and rescue efforts continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected by this tragic event.
The Guyanese coast guard, along with local authorities and community members, is actively involved in the ongoing search operation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.