Coast Guard Watches High Seas for Pirates

John Borland

A few weeks back we told you about an incident at sea where northern fishermen were robbed at gunpoint in southern Belize. The fishers were approached by well-armed men who took away their property and assaulted them. During the struggle, one of the fishers fell overboard and he still hasn’t been found. The local sea pirates made good their escape and shortly after sent threats to the Coast Guard. Today Commander Borland told us that the investigation into the pirates is still open. They have also taken measures to increase their presence in the area that is a target for the pirates.

John Borland, Commander, BNCG

“There have been a number of special operations between the Police and the Coast Guard out there. Investigation is still ongoing. People have been detained. People have been questioned. So, it is a wide open investigation still and the gentleman remains missing at sea. But since then the Coast Guard has established what we hope to make a permanent establishment on southern long caye; partnering with the local land owners there. It is a hotspot and we cannot to take our eyes off that spot again or there shall be a repetition of what occurred. So, we shall be there. We are in there for the long haul. Our job is to protect what matters. And the fishing industry, the fisherfolk matter a great deal to us. So, we shall be out there to serve and to protect and try and avoid a recurrence of such a terrible situation.”