A major search-and-rescue operation was underway in Guyana on Sunday after a ferry carrying 116 passengers and crew capsized off the country's northern coast late Saturday night, authorities said.

The MV Barima, which operates the Georgetown–North West District route, overturned near Iron Punt in the Pomeroon region while en route to Port Kaituma, prompting an immediate emergency response involving military, coast guard and civilian rescue teams.

Authorities said that 53 people had been rescued as of Sunday, while efforts continued to locate the remaining passengers.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said the ferry departed Georgetown at approximately 3:15 p.m. local time on Saturday. At around 11:00 p.m., the Timehri Air Traffic Control Tower received a distress call from the vessel, triggering a full-scale rescue operation.

"The emergency response was activated immediately after the distress signal was received," Edghill said during an early morning national update.

The rescue effort has brought together the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Coast Guard, emergency responders and several private vessels operating in the area.

Officials noted that the MV Barima was equipped with more than 200 life jackets, raising hopes that many passengers were able to remain afloat while awaiting rescue.

Authorities have not yet released details about those still missing or confirmed any fatalities.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Officials said weather conditions, mechanical failure and other possible factors would be examined as investigators work to determine what caused the ferry to capsize.

Rescue teams continued searching through Sunday as authorities sought to account for everyone aboard the vessel. (ILKHA)