Efforts to Salvage Cargo Ship that Ran Aground Off Turneffe Atoll Continue

On Monday, we told you about the Panamanian-registered general cargo ship that ran aground on Sunday morning off Turneffe Atoll. Several efforts have been made to remove the vessel, while investigations are being carried out to determine the cause of the incident. Unfortunately, initial assessments have already determined that damage has been caused to the reef. This morning we caught up with Darlin Gaitan, the Acting Port Commissioner at the Belize Port Authority for an update.

Darlin Gaitan

Darlin Gaitan, Acting Port Commissioner, B.P.A.

“So yesterday there was a salvage operation commenced, however, it was not successful. And so today it has reinitiated again with more resources because yesterday they didn’t have enough resources to pull the vessel off successfully. And so now they’ve been, the company has been, um, advised to up their resources in terms of removing that vessel as soon as possible.”

Reporter

“Have, have it been determined whether there will be pollution?”

Darlin Gaitan

“Pollution in terms of spillage? No. They, it’s what we have here is so far a case of environmental damage, but not pollution from the ship in terms of any discharge overboard.”

Reporter

“And it is directly over the reef?”

Darlin Gaitan

“Yes, it’s on reef.”

Reporter

“What about penalties for the captain?”

Darlin Gaitan

“Currently the investigation is ongoing, so that would have to be upon conclusion that there would be, if any charges to the ship. But, in terms of the environmental aspect of it, that would be the department of the environment. So I wouldn’t be able to comment on the DOE’s charges or any negotiations with the ship.”