Panamanian-registered Vessel Runs Aground East of Drowned Cayes

A huge cargo vessel named “Herca – 1” remains grounded tonight east of Drowned Cayes.  The Belize Port Authority says that a Panamanian-registered general cargo vessel was transiting Belizean waters en route to Port Everglades from their last port call in Puerto Cortes when it experienced mechanical failure and ran aground. The vessel is carrying containers and breakbulk cargo. The salvage operation will commence shortly under the supervision of the Department of the Environment, the Belize Port Authority, and the Belize Coast Guard. The vessel has been detained pending an investigation into the grounding incident, environmental impacts, and damage assessment. The Belize Port Authority says that upon inspection, the vessel does not pose a threat of pollution at this time, as its hull remains intact. Damage assessment to the marine environment is still ongoing. Once dislodged from its grounded position, the vessel will remain detained until the investigation and damage assessment conclude. The 13 passengers were on board. They are cooperating with the investigation