Ferry carrying 116 passengers sinks off Guyana coast, authorities say

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: Ferry carrying 116 passengers sinks off Guyana coast, authorities sayImage source, Transport and Harbours DepartmentImage caption, The MV Barima was built in 1939 and is 40m (131ft) long, according to a listing on VesselFinderByTom BennettPublished9 minutes agoA ferry carrying 116 passengers has sunk off the coast of Guyana with eight people so far rescued, local authorities have said. The MV Barima capsized near Iron Punt, on its route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma.

A distress call was received at 23:01 local time (03:01 +1 BST), triggering an urgent search operation involving state and private boats, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said in a statement posted on social media. The state of the operation is currently unclear and it is not known whether authorities expect to rescue the remaining passengers.

The Details

The MV Barima was built in 1939 and is 40m (131ft) long, according to a listing on VesselFinder. Edghill said it was fitted with 250 life jackets, two rigid life crafts and six inflatable life crafts.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips is said to be leading the government response.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.