Coast Guard Rescues Man Drifting on Makeshift Raft South of Belize City

Yesterday, a man was rescued by the Belize Coast Guard after he was lost at sea for several hours. Around 5:00 p.m., the Belize Coast Guard received information of a man drifting on a makeshift raft approximately 17 miles south of Belize City. The BCG dispatched a crew and found 57-year-old Carlos Pinto sitting on a bucket while drifting on the raft made of wood and metal. Pinto was reportedly confused and could not provide the seamen with his name or address, leading to the BCG pleading for the public’s assistance on Facebook. The post was seen by his family, and he was identified. Pinto reportedly grew weary of working as a security guard on an island outside Belize City and decided to set off. He was found with his personal belongings, food, and a wooden paddle. Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, spoke about the operation. 

After the rescue, Pinto was transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for medical attention.