Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Accidents & Disasters

Islander dies in boating accident while working at sea

Eight San Pedro residents were involved in a boating accident on Wednesday afternoon, February 28th, prompting the Belize Coast Guard (BCG) to conduct a search and rescue operation between the Turneffe Atoll and English Caye. The operation managed to locate everyone; however, one of the islanders did not survive the ordeal. The deceased was identified as Sylvio Camara, a former teacher from San Pedro.

Laundromat fire in south San Pedro caused by electrical issue

On Monday night, February 19th, a fire broke out in a laundromat business on Seagrape Drive, south of San Pedro Town. According to the island's Fire Service, the fire was caused by an electrical issue. Although the volunteers and firefighters responded swiftly and managed to contain the fire before it could spread to other buildings, the wooden structure of the laundromat was gutted by the blaze.

Island resident Jose Adalberto Ventura found dead; no foul play suspected

On Wednesday, February 14th, the lifeless body of a male person was found floating in the sea south of San Pedro Town. The deceased was identified as 43-year-old Jose Adalberto Ventura of the San Pablo Subdivision. The unfortunate incident labeled by police as sudden death is being investigated as ‘An Apparent Drowning’ as no foul play is suspected.

San Pedro Fire Station conducts simulation exercise

To better respond to fire emergencies in San Pedro Town, the local fire service conducted a simulation exercise on Thursday, February 8th, along one of the busiest streets in the downtown area. The exercise evaluated the fire station’s ability to execute an efficient deployment strategy to contain a fire disaster and save property and lives.

Tourist drowns in Caye Caulker

On Tuesday, January 9th, American tourist Steven Mark Kurenitz, 76, died in Caye Caulker while swimming at the popular spot called ‘The Split.’ His...

A study reports that 42% of Belizeans were affected by Natural Disasters in 2022

A study by independent energy broker company Utility Bidder ranked Belize as second in countries most affected by natural disasters in 2022. According to the report, 42% of Belize’s population was affected in 2022, either directly or indirectly, by natural disasters, including tropical storms, flooding, and droughts.

San Pedro Lions Club delivers donation to Caye Caulker fire victims

The San Pedro Lions Club is always helping those in need, and on Saturday, November 25th, they headed over to our sister island, Caye Caulker, to assist a group of fire victims with much-needed financial assistance. They handed over a financial contribution of $5,000 which was made possible with the collaboration of the San Pedro community, the San Pedro Town Council, and Lions members.

Morning fire destroys two popular beach establishments in Caye Caulker

A morning fire on Friday, November 10th, destroyed two popular business establishments in Caye Caulker, La Cubana Restaurant and the Barrier Reef Sports Bar and Grill, causing significant material losses and the displacement of nine people. While the Fire Service begins its investigation into the cause of the blaze, the Caye Caulker Village Council (CCVC) is looking at ways to assist the victims and has already started planning a donation drive to help them. More information will be shared when they launch the fundraiser.

Young Belize Coast Guard officer, Kiman Garcia, loses life in boating accident

On Wednesday, November 8th, a member of the Belize Coast Guard (BCG), identified as Kiman Garcia, 24, lost his life in a boating accident off the northern coast of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. The young BCG sailor was thrown overboard and severely injured by the boat’s engine propeller. Even though he was rushed to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, Garcia succumbed to his injuries.

South Americans hijacked Cessna Caravan in Placencia southern Belize

The Belize Police Department along with Civil Aviation continue investigating the crash landing of a Cessna Caravan in the southern Placencia Peninsula in the early hours of Monday, October 16th. Civil Aviation said it was not an approved flight and as such the incident is being criminally investigated. Preliminary information revealed the aircraft, belonging to a local airline, had been stolen from the Placencia airstrip and flown by a pair of South American nationals who perished when the aircraft crashed shortly after taking off in the darkness of the early morning.

Devastating fire at Road Runner Golf Cart Rental determined as arson

The investigation into the early morning fire that destroyed 20 golf carts belonging to Road Runner Rentals and other structures and items in the rental’s garage was determined to be arson. No one has been detained, and while police continue investigating, reports indicate that the unfortunate incident left a loss of over half a million Belize dollars.