Friday, September 19, 2025

Accidents & Disasters

SPBTIA partners with SPTC to issue informative traffic regulation stickers on rental carts

In response to the growing number of tourist-related accidents when driving rented golf carts, the San Pedro Belize Tourism Information Industry (SPBTIA) has partnered with the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) in a campaign to inform drivers of the traffic laws on the island.

Sailboat runs aground on reef off Ambergris Caye

On Thursday, March 17th, a sailboat named ‘Ramblynn’ was observed stuck on the reef in the Tranquility Channel area off the north coast of Ambergris Caye. The Belize Coast Guard (BCG) responded to the distressed vessel, helping a male Canadian National aboard identified as Glen Peter. Peter was reportedly traveling along the Belizean coast from Mexico, heading south to Guatemala.

Island Emergency Services render medical services to tourist at Hol Chan Marine Reserve

With the help of the Belize Coast Guard and Island Emergency Services (IES), a tourist experiencing a seizure during a snorkeling trip at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve was quickly evaluated and transported back to San Pedro Town for further medical treatment. The incident occurred on Thursday, February 24th, near midday.

Early morning fire at DFC subdivision destroys grocery store

The San Pedro Fire Department is investigating a fire that consumed a wooden structure with zinc roofing a few hours before dawn on Thursday, September 2nd, in the DFC area south of San Pedro Town. The gutted structure served as a small grocery shop, and although it was near other buildings, the blaze was extinguished before it could spread. No one was injured, but the material losses are estimated to be over $25,000.

San Pedro Lions Club collects donations for Caye Caulker fire victims

Following the August 10th fire in Caye Caulker, that left four families homeless, an outpour of support from the community, governmental and non-governmental groups surged. Help also came from San Pedro Town, where the San Pedro Lions Club collected an assortment of non-perishable food items, clothes, and a $1,600 cheque for the four families affected. This donation was delivered to the fire victims on Saturday, August 14th, when members the Lions Club visited La Isla Cariñosa.

Fire at Pedro’s Hotel and Inn determined arson

The investigation into the early morning fire at Pedro's Hotel and Inn on May 23rdconcluded to be arson. According to the San Pedro Fire Department, arson was the main suspicion because the area where the fire started shows it was started deliberately.

Luis Abner Tun needs your help; fundraiser planned to cover medical expenses

The family of Luis Abner Tun is seeking the public’s assistance to raise much-needed funds to cover his medical bills as he recovers from an armed attack that nearly took his life. On July 10th, while inside the Clumsy Restaurant and Bar in the San Mateo area on the island, Tun was shot twice in the abdomen by an unknown shooter. He survived the attack, but his condition is critical, and he will need spinal surgery. Anyone able to donate can message or call 633-9594. The family will be conducting a salpicon sale on Saturday, August 14th, along with a dollar drive on Barrier Reef Drive across from the San Pedrano grocery store.

Five years after Hurricane Earl, San Pedro continues to thrive

August 4, 2021, was a bright and beautiful sunny day in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. A completely different scenario from five years ago, when Category 1 Hurricane Earl devastated the island. The hurricane forced the cancellation of one of Belize’s most famous summer events, the international ‘Costa Maya Festival.’ It resulted in more than $10 million in losses for both San Pedro and Caye Caulker.