The MV Barima has capsized off the coast of Guyana(Image: Department of Public Information, Guyana)

A ferry carrying 116 passengers and crew has capsized off the coast of Guyana with rescuers racing to find dozens of people missing at sea.

Guyana's Prime Minister Mark Phillips told the AFP news agency on Sunday that 53 people had been rescued. He said authorities expected to rescue more people as the search operation progresses during daylight hours.

Juan Edghill the country's Public Works Minister said that another boat had been sent to the area to provide emergency treatment and care.

"The medical services are on board one of our Transport (and Harbours Department) steamers, heading to the area to provide a base to start providing medical attention to those who require as soon as they are rescued,"

After a distress call was received at 11:01pm local time (4.01am today in the UK), Mr Edghill said an "emergency response system of private and State assets was deployed". "There is an active search and rescue operation that is taking place and we pray for the safety of all," he added.

A Search and Rescue aircraft shown over the area where the MV Barima reported being in severe distress

Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan confirmed that the Air Corps and Coast Guard were deployed to the location. "A tough morning. Air and marine teams mobilised," he told local media outlet Demerara Waves.

It is understood that the vessel was travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, having departed at 3pm on Saturday, and capsized near Iron Punt.

The Public Works Ministry said the MV Barima was fitted with 250 life jackets, two rigid life craft and six inflatable life craft.

The circumstances surrounding the boat accident are not immediately clear.

Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.