Fifty-three people have been rescued so far following the MV Barima maritime incident off Guyana's coast, with three communication centres now established to provide verified information to families as search and rescue efforts continue.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips, speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, said the centres are located at the Umana Yana in Georgetown, Port Kaituma and the Kumaka/Mabaruma area, with all communication to relatives coordinated through those locations while authorities focus on the rescue operation.

Officials confirmed that 116 passengers, including children and babes in arms, and 17 crew members were on board the vessel. The 53 survivors have been transported to Charity for medical care, after which their identities will be released. Authorities said names are being withheld until medical assessments are completed and families are notified.

The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) said it is coordinating communications while the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard is leading the search operation. MARAD has deployed three vessels and the Coast Guard another three, while the Guyana Police Force and several private vessels are also assisting.

Search efforts are continuing throughout the daylight hours, with rescue teams deploying additional life jackets, life buoys and flotation devices to improve the chances of saving anyone still in the water.

Transport and Harbours officials said staff will remain at the communication centres throughout the operation to assist relatives seeking information, stressing that updates will only be released once verified to avoid misinformation and unnecessary distress.

Authorities urged the public to rely on official updates and refrain from circulating unverified reports as the search and rescue operation continues.