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.
Accidents & Disasters
American woman dies following a diving tour near Ambergris Caye
Police are investigating the death of an American national, Dawn Michele Rhoades, 55, who fell ill during a scuba diving tour near San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Mrs. Rhoades received Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) while being transported back to San Pedro. She was then taken by ambulance to Ambergris Hope Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Accidents & Disasters
Is Belize prepared for a Tsunami? Actions to Take in the Event of a Tsunami
Earthquakes are uncommon in Belize, and scientists indicate that the country has the lowest exposure to earthquake hazards compared to other nations in Central America. However, tremors can still be felt when earthquakes occur in the region, which may trigger tsunami warnings. In the event of such an alert, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) advises residents living along the Cayes and other coastal areas to move away from the sea, seek higher ground, or relocate to the second story of a building. Additionally, people are urged to avoid glass windows, turn off butane tanks and all gas valves, and rely solely on official resources for updates.
Accidents & Disasters
San Pedro Lions Club hands over more monetary donations to fire victims
On January 24th, the San Pedro Lions Club provided additional monetary assistance to the victims of the December 29th fire. The club has diligently organized fundraisers and successfully raised a total of $8,000, which was distributed among the affected families.
Accidents & Disasters
PM Proposes Non-Bailable Offense for Drunk Driving Amid Rising Traffic Accidents
The Prime Minister of Belize, Honorable John Briceño, has proposed significant changes to the legal framework regarding drunk driving, suggesting that it be classified as a non-bailable offense. This initiative arises from increasing concerns about the alarming rise in traffic accidents associated with alcohol consumption, particularly in tourist-heavy areas such as San Pedro Town.