BREAKING: SHOCKING FIRE ENGULFS GUYANA SUNRISE SHIP—BATTERY ROOM EXPLOSION SUSPECTED
Georgetown, Guyana — June 30, 2025 | 4:17 PM
Panic and flames erupted aboard the Guyana Sunrise, a commercial passenger and cargo vessel, early Monday morning after a violent fire broke out—allegedly originating in the ship’s battery room. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as thick plumes of black smoke rose from the ship’s lower decks, with passengers and crew scrambling to evacuate.
Authorities believe a battery room explosion is the likely cause, though a full investigation is currently underway. Preliminary reports suggest that the ship had recently been retrofitted with a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery system as part of an eco-efficiency upgrade—raising questions about potential system flaws or improper maintenance.
The Guyana Sunrise was on its routine coastal route, carrying an estimated 85 passengers and 42 crew members when the incident occurred just after 7:30 a.m., approximately 18 nautical miles off the Essequibo coast. The fire quickly spread through adjacent compartments, disabling several communication systems and forcing the ship to issue a distress signal via emergency beacon.
“We heard a loud bang from the lower deck and then everything went dark,” said passenger Olivia Ramdhan, who was traveling with her children. “The crew tried to stay calm, but people were screaming… it was like a nightmare.”
Emergency responders from the Guyana Coast Guard, along with nearby fishing vessels, swiftly mobilized to assist in evacuation efforts. Helicopter crews were also dispatched from Timehri Air Base to provide aerial support and coordinate rescue logistics. According to the Ministry of Public Works, at least 112 individuals have been safely rescued so far, while several remain unaccounted for.
“There are injuries, some severe, due to burns and smoke inhalation,” confirmed Dr. Reuben Chand, head of the rescue medical team stationed at Port Georgetown. “We’re doing everything we can. Most survivors were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital for urgent care.”
Meanwhile, maritime and fire investigators are examining the possibility of a thermal runaway event—a dangerous chain reaction common with faulty lithium battery modules. The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) is working closely with international marine safety experts to determine the exact sequence of events.
The Guyana Sunrise was hailed just last year as a symbol of the country’s commitment to green maritime innovation. Its advanced battery-assisted propulsion system, designed to cut down on fossil fuel use, is now under heavy scrutiny.
President Irfaan Ali issued a brief statement calling for “swift and transparent investigation” into the matter, while also commending first responders for their bravery. “We must uncover the truth and ensure that such a tragedy never happens again,” the statement read.
As night falls over the Atlantic, the burned-out silhouette of the once-proud vessel remains adrift, a grim reminder of how innovation without oversight can turn devastating in an instant.
This story is developing. Updates to follow.
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