Major search under way after North West ferry with 116 passengers issues distress call; eight rescued

A major search and rescue operation is under way after the passenger vessel MV Barima issued a distress call late Saturday night while travelling to Port Kaituma.

Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill said the ferry departed at about 3:15 p.m. with 116 passengers, in addition to its crew, bound for the North West District.

According to the minister, Timheri Control Tower received a distress call at approximately 11:01 p.m., triggering an immediate emergency response.

“Emergency operations kicked into gear with the use of state and private assets. That operation is ongoing,” Edghill said.

He confirmed that eight people have so far been rescued alive as search teams continue to comb the area.

The minister said the MV Barima was equipped with 250 life jackets and six inflatable liferafts, in keeping with its safety requirements.

Air and sea assets from Regions Two and Three have been deployed to assist in the rescue effort, while medical teams are on board responding vessels. One of the government’s transport steamers has also been positioned as a floating medical base to provide treatment to survivors.

“There is an active search and rescue operation and we pray for the safety of all,” Edghill said, adding that updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

The minister said a rescue operations centre has been activated and that all agencies responsible for emergency response are fully engaged.

“We have received the support of many agencies and are going at full steam to have everyone recovered,” he said.

Authorities have not yet released details on the circumstances that led to the distress call. The search and rescue operation remains ongoing.