Guyana ferry carrying 116 capsizes as massive search and rescue mission launched

Guyana ferry carrying 116 capsizes as massive search and rescue mission launched The MV Barima ferry has capsized off Guyana's coast with eight people so far retrieved alive, the country's public works minister has said A ferry carrying 116 passengers and crew has capsized off the coast of Guyana sparking a massive search and rescue mission, the country's public works minister has said. Juan Edghill said on a Facebook Live post that eight persons onboard the MV Barima were "retrieved alive". He added that another ferry was being sent to the area to provide emergency treatment and care. "The medical services are on board one of our Transport (and Harbours Department) steamers, heading to the area to provide a base to start providing medical attention to those who require as soon as they are rescued," After a distress call was received at 11:01pm local time (4.01am today in the UK), he said the emergency response system of private and State assets were deployed. "There is an active search and rescue operation that is taking place and we pray for the safety of all," he said. Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan confirmed that the Air Corps and Coast Guard were deployed to the location. "A tough morning. Air and marine teams mobilised," he told local media outlet Demerara Waves. It is understood that the vessel was travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, having departed at 3pm on Saturday. The Public Works Ministry said the MV Barima was fitted with 250 life jackets, two rigid life craft and six inflatable life craft.