Accidents & Disasters
Accidents & Disasters
NEMO Prepares for the 2025 Hurricane Season
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30. In anticipation of what is predicted to be an above-average season, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) personnel in Belize Rural South have been actively participating in preparedness workshops.
Accidents & Disasters
MoEST Education Officer Dies in Road Traffic Accident in San Pedro
A 41-year-old teacher identified as Brian Keith Castillo passed away just before dawn on Monday, May 19th, in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. According to reports, Castillo was involved in a golf cart incident in the San Pedrito Area. He was visiting the island and had been involved in a volleyball tournament held the day before, on Sunday, May 18th.
Accidents & Disasters
“Early Warnings for All” workshop aims to enhance emergency response preparations in Belize
From May 5th to 7th, the Ministry of the Public Service, Governance, and Disaster Risk Management, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and the National Meteorological Service (NMS), hosted the first National Consultative Workshop on Early Warnings for All (EW4All) at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel. This three-day event brought together key stakeholders from various sectors to review and enhance Belize's early warning systems, aimed at reducing disaster risk and improving climate resilience.
Accidents & Disasters
Police investigate deaths of two foreign nationals in falling accidents
San Pedro Police are investigating the deaths of two individuals—one Mexican national and one Canadian national—who fell from buildings in separate incidents. Both incidents occurred north of San Pedro Town. The first occurred on Saturday, April 26th, at a construction site, while the second occurred early the following morning at a resort.
Accidents & Disasters
Passengers injured in plane hijacking now recovering at home, pilot Howell Grange speaks on incident
On Thursday, April 17th, a shocking incident occurred in Belize when an American national, Akinyela Taylor, 49, hijacked a Tropic Air flight en route from Corozal to San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. Taylor threatened the passengers with a knife and inflicted severe injuries on three individuals, including the pilot. The injured victims—San Pedro businessman Fitzgerald Brown, Tropic Air employee Franchesco Castaneda, and Pilot Captain Howell Grange—were rushed to hospitals in Belize City following the life-threatening situation. The ordeal ended with Taylor being shot when the plane finally landed at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA).
Accidents & Disasters
A fire by Central Park leaves businesses without its establishment
The tranquility of San Pedro’s central park was disrupted on the evening of Tuesday, April 15th, when a fire engulfed a restaurant and affected two nearby businesses. The fire, which started around 9 PM, was contained through the combined efforts of the San Pedro Fire Service and a bucket brigade formed by residents. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and the island fire service is continuing its investigation.
Accidents & Disasters
Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Engagement Workshop held in San Pedro
The Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), held a critical Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and Climate Change Engagement Workshop in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, on Wednesday, April 9th. The event is part of the “Community Engagement of the Coastal Zone and Fisheries Sector of Belize through CCA and DRM Capacity Building” project, which aims to strengthen resilience in the coastal zone and fisheries sector.
Accidents & Disasters
Caye Caulker boat captain held responsible for tourist’s death in incident at Turneffe
A 28-year-old U.S. national and resident of Caye Caulker, Spencer Eisenberg, has been charged with Manslaughter by Negligence following the fatal boating incident of 70-year-old American tourist Jeffrey Le Beau. Le Beau was on vacation in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, and was participating in a scuba diving tour to Turneffe Atoll on Sunday, March 23, when he was struck and killed by a speeding boat.
Accidents & Disasters
Further carbon monoxide testing conducted at the beach resort where three American tourists died
The Royal Kahal Beach Resort remains closed after three American guests were found dead in their room on February 22nd. The deceased, Imane Mallah (24), Kaoutar Naqqad (23), and Wafae El Arar (26), were of Moroccan descent and from Revere City, Massachusetts, USA. The cause of their deaths is still under investigation, with one focus being the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Accidents & Disasters
Investigation underway of fire at San Mateo Residence
A devastating fire in the San Mateo Subdivision of San Pedro Town has left a family displaced and a man named Kenneth Obando severely injured. Obando was airlifted to Belize City, where he is currently recovering. Preliminary reports suggest that the fire may be a case of arson.
Accidents & Disasters
Jessie Smith acquitted of charges in the death of American teenager Logan Pratt
San Pedro tour guide and footballer Jessie Smith, 33, has been acquitted of the charge of Death by Careless Conduct in connection with the February 2023 boat accident that resulted in the death of 17-year-old American student and tourist Logan Ceylon Pratt. Smith appeared at the High Court on Monday, March 3rd, where a jury of nine members found him not guilty of the charge.
