MV Barima Sinks Off Guyana Coast: 116 Passengers, 8 Rescued

Sun Sep 06 2026 08:56:21 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A 40‑meter ferry capsized off Guyana, leaving 116 aboard and 8 rescued so far. Government officials are racing to find survivors and investigate the cause.

When the MV Barima went down on the evening of the 18th July, it left 116 people on board and only eight rescued to date. The 40‑metre vessel, built in 1939, capsized near Iron Punt on its route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma. A distress call at 23:01 triggered an urgent search with state and private boats, while Prime Minister Mark Phillips leads the response. Though the ship was equipped with 250 life jackets and multiple lifeboats, authorities admit the situation is still unclear and the fate of the remaining passengers uncertain.

A ferry carrying 116 passengers has sunk off the coast of Guyana, with eight people so far rescued, local authorities announced. The MV Barima, 40 m (131 ft) long, 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 with state and private boats, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said on social media. The situation remains unclear and it is unknown whether the remaining passengers will be rescued.

Built in 1939, the MV Barima had 250 life jackets, two rigid life craft and six inflatable life craft onboard. Prime Minister Mark Phillips is leading the government response.