A ferry carrying 116 passengers has sunk off the coast of Guyana, with 53 people rescued so far, according to local authorities. The MV Barima capsized near Iron Punt while travelling its usual route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, prompting an urgent overnight search operation involving state and private boats.

A distress call was received at 23:01 local time, and Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said the vessel, built in 1939 and 40m long, was equipped with 250 life jackets, two rigid life rafts and six inflatable life rafts. It remains unclear how the search operation is progressing or whether authorities expect to rescue the remaining passengers, with Prime Minister Mark Phillips reportedly leading the government's response.