The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has expressed profound sadness over the capsizing of the MV Barima and pledged its support to Guyana as authorities continue an intensive search-and-rescue operation for dozens of passengers still missing.

In a statement issued Sunday, the regional bloc said it was closely monitoring developments following the maritime disaster off Guyana’s Atlantic coast near the Pomeroon River.

“The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is deeply saddened by the capsizing of the passenger ferry, MV Barima, off the Atlantic coast near the Pomeroon River,” the statement said.