Accidents & Disasters
Accidents & Disasters
Barge sinks south of Ambergris Caye; huge losses, no one injured
A barge transporting equipment and other items, such as golf carts, sank near the Sieste Canales off the southern tip of Ambergris Caye on Saturday, December 24th, around 10PM. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the sinking; meanwhile, the area has been marked by buoys to caution other boats traveling through the site.
Accidents & Disasters
Accident leaves portions of north Ambergris Caye without power after driver crashes into light post
On Thursday, December 15th, a section of northern Ambergris Caye experienced a power outage after a motorist crashed his vehicle into a light post. According to reports, two children were in the vehicle at the time of the accident, but only one of them received minor injuries to the face, while the driver was observed bleeding from the side of his face. After both the children and the driver were treated, he was detained by police, fined, and released.
Accidents & Disasters
Chaos at Sir Barry Bowen Bridge; traffic regulations for large vehicles not enforced
As construction moves to complete the next half of the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge in the Boca del Rio area, the current one-lane structure continues to experience congestion during the island’s rush hour. An incident on Monday, December 5th, involving a large truck caused great concern and prompted many motorists to question if the truck companies are respecting the traffic regulations for these large vehicles set by the San Pedro Town Council.
Accidents & Disasters
Rotary Clubs of Belize and NEMO join forces to help Hurricane Lisa victims with Mattress Drive
It has been over a month since Hurricane Lisa hit the country, affecting thousands of residents in Belize City and other surrounding areas. Some hurricane victims still need assistance with a proper house and essential items like mattresses. To bring some relief, the Rotary Clubs of Belize, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), have teamed up to provide mattresses to those in need.
Accidents & Disasters
Mexican Navy rescues stranded water taxi traveling from San Pedro to Mexico
A water taxi passenger boat experienced difficulties on Wednesday, August 17th, while transporting 69 passengers and three crew members from San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, to the city of Chetumal, Mexico. The boat captain explained that the boat experienced engine failure minutes before arriving. The Mexican Navy assisted them, and none of the passengers and crew were injured in the incident.
Accidents & Disasters
NEMO shares 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season Emergency Family Plan
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has released preparedness guidelines for the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season. With an above-normal season predicted, NEMO is encouraging all Belizeans to take the necessary precautions ahead of time to safeguard their family, pets, and assets. According to NEMO, a Family Emergency Plan can save lives during a storm and prevent unnecessary losses.
Accidents & Disasters
San Pedro fisherman recovering after shark attack near Turneffe area
A San Pedro fisherman almost lost his hand on Thursday, May 19th, when he was attacked by what appeared to be a five-foot reef shark in the Turneffe area, some 43 nautical miles away from San Pedro. The victim, Brian Bradley, was spearfishing along with other fishers, when the shark suddenly bit his right hand and lower arm. Following the ordeal, Bradley was transported to San Pedro Town for medical treatment and then airlifted to Belize City for further medical attention.
Accidents & Disasters
Wildfire fire north of Ambergris Caye contained by residents and the fire department; slash-and-burn practice is illegal
Over the weekend, on Saturday, April 9th, several residents in northern Ambergris Caye scrambled to tackle a wildfire threatening to spread to nearby homes. It is uncertain how it started, but residents believe it was intended to clear bushy properties. If this is the case, the San Pedro Fire Department advises people that it is illegal to set fires and should be reported to their facilities on Pescador Drive or call 206-2372.
