Cargo ship remains stranded on reef

The cargo ship that went aground at Lighthouse Reef over two months ago remains high and dry atop the coral and there is a great likelihood that its owners will be fined heavily for causing environmental damage. That’s the word from Major Gilbert Swaso of the Port Authority, who has recently concluded the Harbour master’s inquiry into the incident. The findings of that investigation is that the grounding, of the Motor Vessel Transfer on the night of January sixth, four point two miles south of Sanbore Caye, was caused by negligence on the part of the captain. It will now be up to the Department of the Environment to determine an appropriate fine under the terms of the Environmental Protection Act. That determination, however, will have to wait until the two hundred and twenty-five foot long ship is pulled off the reef so scientists can get a good look at the extent of the damage to the coral. That long delayed salvage operation should commence shortly once one of several bids are accepted by the insurance company. All pollutants have been removed from the ship, including diesel and engine oil, so there is little chance of further damage. What is less certain is whether the Transfer can remain afloat once removed from its perch. If not, a quick decision will have to be made to cut the lines and allow the ship to plunge into a final resting place in waters that range up to several miles deep.