The ferry MV Barima sank off the coast of Guyana late on Saturday, resulting in two confirmed deaths and leaving 133 people aboard, of whom 35 have been rescued.

The vessel departed Georgetown at approximately 3:15 p.m. for Port Kaituma in the Essequibo region and transmitted a distress signal around 11 p.m., prompting a response from the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, Air Corps, private aircraft and local fishing vessels.

Initial reports listed 116 passengers and 17 crew on the manifest, but later checks indicated the passenger list was inaccurate. Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill said the captain and the first engineer had tested positive for cannabis and that the manifest discrepancy raised operational concerns, adding that any negligence, misconduct or criminal wrongdoing would be addressed by law. Prime Minister Mark Phillips said the inaccurate passenger manifest was concerning and announced a joint investigation by the police, the defence force, the Maritime Administration Department and technical experts.

Survivors recounted that the ferry began listing several hours before it capsized in darkness. Adam Matabheek, his wife Carlita, and their children were among those rescued after spending the night in the water; another survivor, Loureen Singh, held onto a lifejacket with the assistance of Carlita. The family of Nathaniel Welch reported that his wife Rachel was thrown from her hammock during the capsizing and that their three children remain missing.

The search area was expanded from 400 to 1,070 square kilometres, with additional aircraft and vessels deployed. International and regional partners have offered assistance, and authorities have not yet determined the cause of the sinking.