A large-scale search-and-rescue operation is under way off the coast of Guyana, in northern South America, after the passenger ferry MV Barima capsized late on Saturday night, leaving dozens of people missing and at least two confirmed dead. The vessel departed Georgetown, Guyana's capital, at around 3:15pm on Saturday, bound for Port Kaituma, a town in the country's western Essequibo region near the border with Venezuela. A distress call was received just after 11pm local time, triggering an emergency response involving the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard and Air Corps, private aircraft, fishing vessels, and civilian volunteers.

Authorities initially reported 116 passengers and 17 crew members aboard — 133 people in total — based on the ship's manifest. However, officials have since acknowledged the manifest was inaccurate, after it emerged that only 35 of the 67 people rescued so far appeared on the passenger list. The true number aboard remains unknown. Of those rescued, 41 are men, 11 are women, and 15 are children. The search area has been more than doubled, expanding from 400 square kilometres to 1,070 square kilometres, with local fisherfolk — familiar with the waters — joining government teams in the effort. The MV Barima, a 40-metre vessel built in 1939, was certified to carry over 300 passengers and was equipped with 250 life jackets, two rigid life crafts, and six inflatable rafts. Officials said the vessel had been operating within its weight limits and that no mechanical fault was identified.

Guyana's Public Works Minister Juan Edghill announced that the ferry's captain and first engineer have been taken into police custody after both allegedly tested positive for cannabis. A criminal investigation has been opened.