Tag:
Belize Coast Guard
Accidents & Disasters
American teenager who lost her leg in shark attack shares her experience
Fifteen-year-old tourist Annabelle Carlson from Colorado, USA, was severely injured in a shark attack during a diving trip off the coast of Belize in August 2024. The attack, which occurred at the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, resulted in her losing her right leg. The incident also left her with injuries to her hands. After months of recovery, Carlson spoke to the media houses in her country about her experience showing resilience and her passion for the ocean.
Government
Diplomatic channels address Guatemalan military boats in Belizean waters
On Tuesday, December 17th, a patrol boat belonging to the Guatemalan Navy was observed in Belizean waters near the Sapodilla Cayes in southern Belize. The Belize Coast Guard (BCG) intercepted the vessel and escorted it back to the Guatemalan side. According to BCG Commander Captain Elton Bennett, the vessel was identified as a 65-foot boat that appeared to be a hydrographic survey vessel from the Guatemalan Navy. He noted that while the ship may not be armed, it is typically used for surveying underwater features, such as water depth and seabed characteristics.
Sports
Island athletes shine at Belize City’s Annual Triathlon
Island athletes Kian Trejo, Kent "Bob" Gabourel, and Jesus "Levi" Contreras made their mark at this year's Belize City Triathlon, which took place on December 1st. Trejo earned second place in the Elite Male division, while Gabourel secured fourth. Contreras and his team also achieved first place in the Male Relay category.
Community and Society
San Pedro proudly hosts the Special Olympics Torch
The Special Olympics Belize Torch was hosted in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, by the island’s police formation after arriving from Belize City on Tuesday, December 3rd. Each year, the torch is brought to San Pedro as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR). This event takes place in anticipation of the Special Olympic Games, scheduled to begin on Friday, December 6th, at the Marion Jones Stadium in Belize City. The mission of the LETR is to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement.
Community and Society
Second North Ambergris Caye clean-up removes more garbage from the beaches
On December 1st, another beach clean-up took place at the northern beaches of Ambergris Caye. Significant amounts of rubbish were removed from the area stretching from El Norte Bar to Tranquillity Bay. The initiative, led by local resident Elito Arceo, will continue next year to help keep these beaches litter-free. These northern beaches are popular nesting sites for sea turtles, so organizers urge visitors to refrain from littering, as it can severely impact nesting and the health of these pristine environments.
Government
18th Border Commanders Conference Between Belize and Mexico Concludes Successfully
From November 6-8, 2024, the Military and Naval Commanders of Belize and Mexico, who share maritime and terrestrial boundaries, met in Belize City to discuss a broad range of traditional security-related challenges, including drug trafficking, weapon smuggling, illegal migration and contraband.
Police News
Belize Coast Guard remove drugs, ammo, and guns off northern Ambergris Caye
On Monday, September 9th, the Belize Coast Guard reported the discovery and removal of drugs, ammunition, and two high-powered rifles while on patrol near Deer Caye in northern Ambergris Caye.
Government
Unauthorized Guatemalan navy vessels enter Belizean waters
On Saturday, September 7th, a group of vessels, including a large gunboat from the Guatemalan Navy, was seen in southern Belizean waters. The Belize Defence Force (BDF) and the Belize Coast Guard (BCG) approached the Guatemalan military boat. The Guatemalan forces initially claimed they were in their territorial waters, but after some discussion, they complied with Belizean authorities, and the vessels returned to Guatemalan waters.
