Breaking News: MV Barima sends distress call off Guyana’s coast: 116 passengers, crew  on board;  search-and-rescue mission begins 

A large-scale search-and-rescue operation is underway after the Northwest ferry MV Barima sent out a distress signal while travelling to Port Kaituma, prompting an immediate emergency response from the Government of Guyana.Public Works Minister Juan Edghill confirmed that the vessel transmitted a distress call off the coast of Guyana, in the vicinity of Iron Punt near the Pomeroon River, while en route to Port Kaituma.According to the Minister, there were 116 passengers and crew members on board the ferry. As of the latest update, eight persons had been rescued while search-and-rescue efforts continued. In a statement issued by the Government, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who is performing the functions of President, is leading the Government’s response to the emergency. The statement said the vessel’s crew dispatched distress signals late on Saturday, July 18, triggering the immediate activation of emergency response mechanisms. A coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving State agencies and private-sector assets was launched and continued into Sunday morning. The acting President is receiving continuous updates from response teams as the operation progresses. “The Government’s immediate priority remains the safety and rescue of every passenger and every crew member,” the statement said.

Authorities indicated that further verified information will be released as rescue operations continue.