Accidents & Disasters
Accidents & Disasters
Shelters open in San Pedro and Caye Caulker as Hurricane Beryl approaches
While Hurricane Beryl is not expected to hit Belize directly, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) opened shelters in San Pedro Town and Caye Caulker on Thursday, July 4th. The shelters opened at 4 PM, with one in Caye Caulker at the Roman Catholic School and the Sagebrush Church and St. John Paul Youth Center (only for persons with disabilities) in San Pedro. If anyone needs to use the shelters in San Pedro, they can contact NEMO at 226-4824 or 614-5865 and 611-6603 in Caye Caulker.
Accidents & Disasters
Important guidelines to follow during the Hurricane Season
In this time of uncertainty, as dangerous Hurricane Beryl approaches landfall near northern Belize, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) shared some preparedness guidelines. These guidelines are not limited to the current hurricane hurtling across the Caribbean but for the remainder of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
Accidents & Disasters
Weekend fire destroys building on Marina Drive
On Saturday, June 29th, at 1:40AM, the San Pedro Fire Department, with assistance from the San Pedro Police, responded to a fire reported in the DFC subdivision on Marina Drive. According to reports, Nellie Alamilla called 911 to report that she was awoken by loud bangs on the roof of her house and saw the building next door on fire. Fire Personnel Erick Tzul arrived at the scene shortly after 1:53AM and quickly extinguished the fire. However, the wooden structure, measuring 15ft by 35ft, was destroyed by the blaze.
Accidents & Disasters
Group of four rescued after boat overturns near Tuffy’s Channel
On Friday, June 21st, at 3 PM, it was reported that a local boat captain, along with three tourists, was on a dive tour when the boat capsized and overturned in front of Isla Bonita Yacht Club at Tuffy's Channel. Alfredo Rubio, the boat captain and tour guide of Tropical Wind Tours, discovered the incident and immediately contacted Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Abner Bacab from Island Emergency Services (IES) to help the four victims.
Accidents & Disasters
American tourist Robert Monroe Hughes dies while diving
A male American tourist identified as 68-year-old Robert Monroe Hughes died on Friday, June 14th, while on a diving tour off San Pedro Town’s coast. The deceased, a retiree, reportedly became unresponsive during the dive. While this was happening, the dive master/guide also became ill and unconscious. By the time both were rushed back to the island for medical attention, Hughes had passed away. The guide was treated and listed in stable condition.
Accidents & Disasters
Wildfires threatening Belize’s eco-tourism on the mainland
As of May 26th, wildfires have severely impacted several locations in Belize, including the Toledo District and the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in the Cayo District. In Toledo, large tracts of agricultural land have been destroyed, while national parks and even communities have been affected in Cayo. Volunteers and officials from government and non-governmental agencies have been collectively battling the flames that displace wildlife, destroy habitats, and threaten the livelihood of thousands in the tourism industry in western Belize.
Accidents & Disasters
Danny Sosa hospitalized after hit and run traffic accident; assistance needed to cover medical bills
Island resident and bartender Danny Sosa, 23, remains hospitalized after he was knocked down by a golf cart driven by an alleged intoxicated driver. Sosa's left leg was severely injured and required two surgeries. As he remains hospitalized at the Orange Walk Sugar City Medical Centre, the family is reaching out to the public for help with medical expenses. There will be a fundraising Bar-B-Que on Sunday, May 19th, on Pescador Drive in downtown San Pedro, and anyone able to make a monetary donation can do so to the account under the name of Josseline Carolina Fuentes, Belize Bank, 237446010160000. The family can also be contacted at the phone number 626-0620.
Accidents & Disasters
Residents reminded of fire dangers during dry season following incident at the Solid Waste Transfer Station
Following this fire, the San Pedro Fire Department urges the public to be cautious and vigilant, as they are unpredictable and can occur anytime and anywhere. With the dry season in full effect, Belizeans are starting to feel the heat. And with heat comes the threat of increased fire incidents, especially wildfires.
