DOE Investigates Yacht Grounding in Belize Waters; Fines Possible

The Department of the Environment has commenced an investigation into the grounding of a yacht in Belize’s waters to determine the environmental impacts on the reef. Yesterday, the Belize Aggressor IV ran aground in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll after the vessel drifted onto the reef during a dive trip. Up to news time, the boat remains stuck as preparations are being made for its safe removal. Minister of Sustainable Development and Disaster Risk Management Orlando Habet says that the vessel’s owners may be fined based on the outcome of the investigation. 

Orlando Habet, Minister of Disaster Risk Management: “We don’t have much details as yet. We understand that it moved off where it was anchored but the Port Authority , the Department of Environment, the Fisheries Department should be out there this morning doing an assessment and when the assessment is done depending on what damages are done to the reef or otherwise then an estimate of that cost will come up and then they will present it to the owners of the boat and they should pay whatever damages that are incurred.”