New Delhi, July 19 -- GEORGETOWN - A distress call came through around 11 p.m. Saturday from the MV Barima as the vessel crossed from Georgetown toward Port Kaituma with 116 people aboard, and by the time rescuers reached the position, 63 of those passengers could not be found. Fifty-three survivors were pulled from the water or reached shore in the hours that followed.

Guyana's government confirmed the rescue count publicly on Sunday and acknowledged that search conditions during the night had been difficult. Prime Minister Mark Phillips addressed the country on Sunday morning, expressing condolences to families and confirming that all available maritime assets were committed to the ongoing operation. Transport Minister Juan Edghill sep...