Port Authority Investigates San Pedro Water Taxi Mangrove Grounding

The Belize Port Authority has opened an investigation after a San Pedro Belize Express water taxi ran aground in mangroves shortly after departing Caye Caulker on Sunday morning.

The Authority said the passenger vessel Tropical Star left Caye Caulker for Belize City at about 9:00 a.m. on February 1st, 2026, with 67 people on board. The incident occurred minutes after departure.

No injuries were reported.

The Port Authority said the investigation is in “accordance with its statutory mandate to ensure maritime safety, compliance, and the protection of passengers and the marine environment.”

Photos from the scene show the vessel lodged in mangrove trees with no visible structural damage.

The incident comes just weeks after a similar grounding involving a Caribbean sprinter in December. 

News 5 reached out to San Pedro Belize Express for comment. The company said an official statement has been provided to the Port Authority and referred any further inquiries to be directed to the Authority.