Ferry sinks off Guyana coast, 67 survivors and dozens missing

A maritime tragedy occurred on the evening of July 18 off the coast of Guyana, South America, when a ferry sank with 133 people on board, leaving dozens missing.

Authorities confirmed that 67 people, including 15 children, have been rescued alive so far, as rescue teams continue searching for other survivors.

According to local media, an air traffic control tower picked up an SOS call from the ferry MV Barima at 11:01 p.m. local time, triggering the immediate start of the rescue mission.

The sinking occurred in Atlantic waters as the vessel was sailing to the village of Port Kaituma. So far, neither the port of departure nor the causes of this disaster have been made public.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips stressed that efforts to find the missing will continue without pause until every possibility has been exhausted.

For his part, Minister Deodat Indar announced the opening of special centers intended to assist and update the passengers’ families.