On Tuesday, December 17th, a patrol boat belonging to the Guatemalan Navy was observed in Belizean waters near the Sapodilla Cayes in southern Belize. The Belize Coast Guard (BCG) intercepted the vessel and escorted it back to the Guatemalan side. According to BCG Commander Captain Elton Bennett, the vessel was identified as a 65-foot boat that appeared to be a hydrographic survey vessel from the Guatemalan Navy. He noted that while the ship may not be armed, it is typically used for surveying underwater features, such as water depth and seabed characteristics.
This incident marks the second time a Guatemalan military vessel has entered Belizean waters without authorization. Bennett mentioned that the lack of clear markers complicates the border demarcation process.
The Government of Belize, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, issued a press release on Tuesday concerning the issue. As initially reported, the official statement clarified that the vessel was stuck on the reef. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade has confirmed that the Guatemalan vessel did not run aground, as reported, and members of the Belize Coast Guard, after engaging with the Guatemalan officers on board, escorted the Guatemalan patrol boat out of Belizean waters,” the release read.
The government statement clarified that the country would strongly protest the illegal intrusion of a Guatemalan patrol boat into Belizean waters. The statement also emphasized that Belize would call on Guatemalan authorities to prevent their armed forces from continuing to enter Belizean waters without permission. The release concluded by stating that Belize will maintain communication with the Guatemalan foreign ministry to ensure that its armed forces respect Belize’s maritime and territorial integrity as well as its internationally recognized borders.
In an interview on Wednesday, December 18th, Prime Minister Honorable Dr. John Briceño said Belize takes such incidents seriously. “We would go and inform them that they’re in Belizean waters.” He said. “We need to be able to be firm but diplomatic,” Briceño said that using diplomatic efforts is crucial to avoid unnecessary escalation. “We need to let them understand that they are in our waters and that we will not allow them to come into our waters,” Briceño said. The Prime Minister stated that his government communicates with the Organisation of American States, which acts as a mediator, whenever incidents arise along Belize’s borders with Guatemala.
Addressing concerns from Belizeans who believe the government’s response to these incidents is too passive, Prime Minister Briceño emphasized that the country cannot confront Guatemala militarily. “What do they expect us to do? As much as we want to do more, what else can we do?” Briceño questioned. He pointed out that Guatemala has a large army with over 20,000 active personnel and is well-equipped, while the Belizean armed forces lack sufficient workforce and resources. Therefore, he concluded that diplomatic channels are the most viable option for Belize now.
The Sapodilla Cayes area is a disputed territory among Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala. This issue and Guatemala’s territorial, insular, and maritime claims on Belize are expected to be addressed at the International Court of Justice.
