U.S. Captain Ordered to Pay $30K for Damages to the Reef

On May thirtieth the forty-foot sailboat “Shambella” grounded on the Belize Barrier Reef. On board was US national James Garreth, along with a German National. News Five has confirmed that after an investigation, the matter proceeded to the courts and Garreth, who is said to be the captain, was ordered to pay more than thirty thousand dollars in damages to the reef. According to officials, the sailboat damaged three point zero six meters square of live coral formation.  At around eight thirty on that night, a distress signal was received by the Belize Coast Guard which led them to the Sapodilla Caye Marine Reserve. Both persons were rescued and the vessel was removed from the reef in order to prevent further damage.