A major search and rescue operation is underway after a passenger ferry capsized off the coast of Guyana late Saturday, leaving dozens of people unaccounted for.

The MV Barima overturned while travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma in the Barima-Waini (Region One) administrative region. Authorities said a distress call was received at 11:01 pm local time.

Officials said the boat was off the coast of Region Two when the incident occurred. 

The vessel was carrying 116 passengers and 17 crew members when it capsized.

So far, 53 people have been rescued and taken to medical facilities for treatment. 

The condition of those rescued has not yet been disclosed.

The status of the remaining people on board remains unclear as emergency responders continue search and rescue efforts.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Umana Yana on Sunday morning, Prime Minister Mark Phillips said the government’s immediate priority is ensuring that everyone aboard the vessel is accounted for.

“We expect that more passengers will be rescued because we have a number of assets out there,” Phillips said.

“Our effort is aimed at rescuing everybody who was on board that ferry.”

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill had earlier said the MV Barima was equipped with 250 life jackets, two rigid lifecraft and six inflatable lifecraft before departing on its voyage.

According to VesselFinder, the MV Barima, which was built in 1939, is approximately 40 metres (131 feet) long.

The cause of the capsizing has not yet been determined, and rescue operations remain ongoing.

To facilitate communication with relatives, the government has established three information centres:

1. Umana Yana in Georgetown, Region 4 – 592-658-2050
2. Port Kaituma Community Centre, Region One – 592-662-3577
3. NAREI Extension Centre (Kumaka), Region One – 592-769-3541

Edghill said medical teams have been set up in Regions Two and Three to help treat the rescued persons. 

He noted the government is using all of its available resources to help find the missing people.

“We are satisfied that everything that could be done, should be done, and was able to be done, was done. The government has been able to do what was necessary. So we want to assure the public that everything that can be done, should be done, or should have been done, was done,” he said.