A ferry travelling off the coast of Guyana sank late Saturday, and authorities say 67 people, including 15 children, have been rescued while dozens remain missing.
Live updates
Loading updates…
Key facts
- The ferry sank off the coast of Guyana late Saturday.
- Reports put the number aboard at 116 passengers and crew, with the BBC later citing 133 passengers and crew.
- 67 people, including 15 children, have been rescued, according to Guyana authorities.
- The vessel capsized between Georgetown and Port Kaituma.
- Officials describe it as one of the country's worst maritime disasters.
A passenger ferry sank off the coast of Guyana late on Saturday, triggering a large search-and-rescue operation for dozens of people still missing, according to authorities.
The Guardian reported that the ferry was carrying 116 passengers and crew when it went down. In its earlier reporting, the BBC said the vessel was carrying 116 passengers, while a later BBC update put the figure at 133 passengers and crew.
The BBC reported that the vessel capsized between Georgetown and Port Kaituma. An initial account said eight passengers had been rescued in the immediate aftermath.
As the response continued, officials said the number of people brought to safety rose to 67, including 15 children, according to both the BBC and the Guardian. Dozens of passengers remained unaccounted for.
The Guardian reported that a massive search-and-rescue operation was ongoing for the missing passengers, in what officials have described as one of the country’s worst maritime disasters.
The sources did not provide details on the cause of the sinking, the identities of those aboard, or a confirmed death toll.
Why it matters
Ferries are a vital transport link in coastal and riverine communities, and disasters like this can have a devastating toll on families and local areas. Officials have called it one of Guyana's worst maritime disasters, underscoring the scale of the emergency response and the risks tied to passenger vessel safety.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were rescued from the Guyana ferry?
According to Guyana authorities cited by the BBC and the Guardian, 67 people have been rescued, including 15 children.
Where was the ferry travelling when it sank?
The BBC reported that the vessel capsized between Georgetown and Port Kaituma.
How many people were on board the ferry?
The Guardian reported 116 passengers and crew. An earlier BBC report cited 116 passengers, and a later BBC update cited 133 passengers and crew.
Timeline
- Huge search operation after passenger ferry sinks off coast of Guyana
The Guardian World: Authorities launch criminal investigation after passenger list – showing more than 100 passengers – was found to be inaccurate, complicating rescue efforts A massive search-and-rescue operation is under way after a ferry sank off the coast of Guyana in South America late on Sat
- Dozens missing after passenger ferry sinks off coast of Guyana
The Guardian World: Emergency response has rescued 67 people, including 15 children, from one of the country’s worst maritime disasters A ferry carrying 116 passengers and crew sank off the coast of Guyana in South America late Saturday, with 67 people, including 15 children, rescued so far, acc
- Ferry carrying 133 passengers and crew sinks off Guyana coast
BBC World: Fifteen children are among 67 people rescued, officials say, with dozens still missing.
- Ferry carrying 116 passengers sinks off Guyana coast, authorities say
BBC World: Eight passengers have so far been rescued after the vessel capsized between Georgetown and Port Kaituma.