Coast Guard Responds in Minutes After Boat Mishap

The Coast Guard wasted no time on Sunday. Within five minutes of getting the call about the Belize Water Taxi accident, officers were on the scene. Their first priority was making sure every passenger was safe. Operations Officer Lieutenant Mark Choc explains how the team sprang into action and what happened next.

 

Lt. Mark Choc, Operations Officer, Belize Coast Guard

“Last night the Coast Guard in San Pedro received information from a local fisherman who arrived on the base reporting an accident he saw one mile west of the base. So, the Coast Guard quickly deployed to assess the situation or the information received and they observed a vessel aground about one mile west of the coast guard San Pedro base. When the Coast Guard arrived on the scene, they observed a vessel belonging to the Coast Guard. The vessel was high and dry. It appears the vessel was trying to enter the channel but ended up on the island. the initial assessment is that the crew was safe. No serious injuries observed on the scene. The coast guard assisted to ensure to everyone was carefully assessed to ensure no injuries on the scene.”

 

Paul Lopez

“You mean the entirety of the boat would have been out of water?”

 

Lt. Mark Choc

“Yes, that is what I mean by high and dry?”

 

Paul Lopez

“Is it speed that would get a boat to get to that high and dry position.”

 

Lt. Mark Choc

“There are many reasons why, but so far, I cannot confirm what is the cause of this specific situation. It is under investigation. So, I cannot confirm.”