Grounded ship finally moving off reef

Almost seven months later, a ship that ran aground on Lighthouse Reef is finally being moved. The Belize Port Authority announced today that a salvage operation to tow the vessel “Transfer” is underway and the ship should be off the reef by Saturday. Once it is dislodged, the Port says it will be towed west of the reef and dumped into an area where it will “not be a hazard to navigation.” The operation will be conducted with oversight from several entities including the Department of the Environment, Belize Audubon Society, Coastal Zone Management Agency, as well as personnel from the Belize Ports Authority. Once “Transfer” has been moved, an assessment will be made to determine the extent of the damage to the reef. Waller Marine Belize Limited is carrying out the salvage operation. Transfer ran aground on the night of January sixth on its return trip to Mobile, Alabama.