A ferry carrying 116 passengers and crew members capsized in Guyana, leaving 53 people rescued so far and the rest still missing, authorities said Sunday.

The MV Barima was traveling from Georgetown, Guyana’s capital, along the country’s North Atlantic coastline toward Port Kaituma when the vessel overturned, according to Prime Minister Mark Phillips.

Officials launched a search-and-rescue operation after receiving a distress call at 11:01 p.m. local time (3:01 a.m. GMT), Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said in a Facebook post. 

The response involved both government and privately operated boats searching the area.

Authorities said the ferry capsized near the Pomeroon River, where rescue teams continue efforts to locate and assist those involved.