Accidents & Disasters
Teenager attacked by shark during diving tour
On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, an incident occurred in which a 15-year-old American tourist, was attacked by a shark while participating in a dive tour at Half Moon Caye in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. This unfortunate event occurred at approximately 11:30AM when the minor re-entered the sea after a dive.
Accidents & Disasters
Fatal diving incident sparks discussion of need for increased safety measures
The recent death of 68-year-old American tourist Robert Monroe Hughes while on a diving tour off San Pedro, Ambergris Caye's coast on June 14th, has left many still searching for answers. While no postmortem reports were shared, the police briefly reported that no foul play was suspected, and no abnormalities were found in the diving equipment. Since the incident, some tour operators have weighed in, emphasizing that safety is a top priority when taking guests on a diving tour.
Accidents & Disasters
Couple rescued after jet ski mishap near Secret Beach
On Wednesday, July 24th, a search team composed of the San Pedro Police Formation, the Belize Coast Guard, Rickilee Response and Rescue (RRR), and other volunteers headed to Secret Beach just after 8PM following reports of a missing Belizean couple who had been on a jet ski. They were last seen on the jet ski around 4:45PM. Against the odds of darkness, the rescue team was able to locate the couple and bring them to safety. Both were taken for medical evaluation and were reported to be in good health.
Accidents & Disasters
Hurricane Beryl spares Belize: government to assist affected Caribbean nations
On Friday morning, July 5th, Hurricane Beryl landed as a Category 2 storm over the Mexican Caribbean coast, affecting coastal communities like Tulum and Playa del Carmen. The storm did not affect Belize, where a Tropical Storm Warning was issued for the northern portion of the country, including the Cayes. On Friday morning, the Government of Belize gave the all-clear, and discussions have started to see how they can help our counterparts in the Caribbean, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada, who were devastated by the weather system.
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.