Dozens feared dead after passenger ferry sinks off Guyana coast

Ferry capsizes off Guyana coast

A passenger ferry has capsized off the coast of Guyana, leaving dozens of people feared dead. The incident occurred on Sunday, prompting a massive search and rescue operation.

According to officials, 67 people have been rescued from the water so far. The exact number of passengers on board remains unclear. Authorities have launched a massive search operation to locate survivors.

Manifest may not reflect true passenger count

A Guyanese minister has stated that the ship's manifest is not a 'true reflection' of the passengers on board. This suggests that the number of people on the ferry could be significantly higher than the official list.

The discrepancy is making it difficult for rescue teams to determine how many people are still missing. Families are gathering at ports and hospitals, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.

Rescue operation underway

Coast guard vessels and aircraft have been deployed to search the waters. The operation is being hampered by strong currents and limited visibility in the area.

Local fishermen have joined the official rescue efforts. They are using their small boats to search for survivors along the coastline.

Cause of the sinking unknown

It is not yet clear what caused the ferry to sink. Officials have not released any information about the vessel's condition or the weather at the time of the incident.

An investigation is expected to be launched once the immediate rescue phase is complete. Questions are being raised about the safety standards of the ferry and the accuracy of its passenger manifest.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the small Caribbean nation. Guyana is not a country that typically witnesses large-scale maritime disasters.

Rescue efforts will continue through the night. Officials are expected to provide further updates on the number of casualties and survivors as they become available.