Ferry Disaster Off Guyana Coast Leaves Dozens Missing

A devastating ferry disaster unfolded off the coast of Guyana on Saturday, as the MV Barima, a 40-meter-long vessel, capsized while en route to Port Kaituma, leaving 67 people rescued and dozens still missing.

As the vessel rolled over, I ended up in the water, and I managed to grab a life jacket before drifting through the night.

According to officials, the ferry was carrying 116 passengers and crew, including 15 children, when it capsized in the early hours of Sunday. A distress call was received at 11 pm local time, prompting a massive search-and-rescue operation involving government teams, privately-owned boats, and civilian volunteers. The ferry was equipped with 250 life jackets, two lifeboats, and six inflatable rafts, but it appears that not all passengers were able to access them in time.

As the rescue effort continues, survivors have recounted the moments leading up to the disaster, describing how the vessel leaned several hours before it capsized. The cause of the capsizing is still unknown, but officials have ruled out engine problems or mechanical failure, suggesting that the tide may have played a role. The search area has been expanded to 1,070 square kilometers, and additional aircraft and vessels have been deployed to aid in the rescue efforts.