Leaking Vessel Prohibited from Sailing Defies Order

Last Thursday, we reported on a vessel that was leaking soot into the Caribbean Sea near Placencia. It was the second time in as many months that the vessel had been found to have caused the leak and needed repair. The Port Authority imposed a prohibition to sail order upon the vessel until adequate repairs had been conducted, and according to Port Commissioner, Major Gilbert Swazo, fines would be forthcoming. But today there are new reports that the same vessel was out working and that it had left a trail of soot of between two and three miles long. News Five asked Major Swazo what happened and what actions are being taken to ensure that the vessel does not create any more problems.

Major Gilbert Swazo, Port Commissioner

Major Gilbert Swazo

“We do have maritime enforcement officers who are checking periodically to ensure that that vessel remains where we had it berthed. So yesterday, apparently before daybreak, it was reported to us that the vessel left its location and then when also ascertained that in fact, the vessel had sailed. So we have since subsequently responded by stating to them that the prohibition for sailing remains in effect. We have also collaborated with the Belize Coast Guard who have now deployed vessel and troops to ensure that that vessel will not sail at all and we also collaborated with the Department of the Environment. So the three organizations combined are ensuring that that vessel remains where it is and the Port Authority and the Department of the Environment will definitely be bringing charges on the owner and on the captain of the vessel. The vessel is not to move until it is certified that the engine has been properly rectified by a certified engineer mechanic which will be verified by Port Authority and the Department of the Environment even before it will be authorized to sail.”