Ferry sinks off Guyana coast with over one hundred people on board

A passenger ferry named MV Barima sank off the coast of Guyana late Saturday while en route to the village of Port Kaituma. Reports regarding the total number of people on board vary, with some sources stating 116 passengers and 17 crew members, while others cite a total of 133 individuals. An air traffic control tower received a distress signal from the vessel at 11:01 p.m. local time, initiating a search and rescue operation. Authorities have confirmed that 67 people, including 15 children, have been rescued so far. Prime Minister Mark Phillips stated that rescue efforts will continue until all possibilities are exhausted. Deodat Indar, the Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, announced the establishment of family assistance centers to provide support and information. The departure point of the ferry remains unknown.