San Pedro Residents Rescued After Jet Ski Adventure Turns Perilous

An evening out on a jet ski quickly turned into a desperate fight for survival for two San Pedro residents yesterday. According to reports, around four-thirty, Rolando Uk and Leni Elias left on a jet ski from the Secret Beach area, where Uk manages a waterpark. The duo did not return after several hours at sea, prompting Uk’s family to become concerned. Fearing something might have happened to him, Uk’s family notified the Belize Coast Guard (BCG). Lieutenant Junior Grade Mark Choc, operations officer at the BCG, says a search and rescue operation was then launched shortly after 10 o’clock leading to their rescue.

LTJG Mark Choc, Operations Officer, BCG: “Moments after the search was launched it was reported at around 10:20pm the female Ms.Denlias was located and rescued by a civilian vessel near Bird Caye in a shallow area where she was able to stand in the water. She was apparently swimming for a three hours after being able to reach to a shallow area. The search efforts continue for Mr. Orlando Uh who was still missing at the time. At around 11:30 pm the joint effort with San Pedro Coast Guard located Mr.Orlando Uh in the open waters about three miles north west of Secret Beach. Mr.Uh was found in water floating and drifting with no life jacket and was quickly recovered from the water and secured on a vessel and was transported to safe harbor. Both individuals were found in good health. The effects of the elements had not yet made impact on them. This was due to a quick and receptive search and rescue response from the Belize Coast Guard. After an investigation was conducted it was reported that both individuals were operating on the jet ski when a wave came across and knocked them off the jet ski resulting into his situation. During the search was conducted the waves were a bit choppy. It was not too safe however mariners still take the risk to operate. It wasn’t that safe but yes indeed the waves were a bit choppy. There was no small craft warning issued at the time however things do change, the weather changes without any notice as we all know we can’t control that.”

Choc noted that Uk had nothing to help him float but managed to survive on his skills. He added that the BCG recommends everyone venturing on the sea take as many precautions as possible to ensure their safety.

LTJG Mark Choc, Operations Officer, BCG: “He was found in the water floating without any form of life jacket or any flotation or any improvised floating device. He was just treading water just based on his skills of swimming. He was very lucky to be alive. Any delay in his recovery would have resulted in severe. The Belize Coast Guard constantly and always, part of our mandate, we always remind mariners and the general public during taking part in any water or maritime related activities whether it’s recreational, commercial, it is important to have or to use safe equipment on board including life jackets, flashlights and so forth. Also if possible have a communication device on board so that if there’s a distress situation you can be able to communicate it to the relevant authorities so that you can be assisted as soon as possible. It’s very important to activate a signal so that authorities or search and rescue operators can respond effectively.”

After their rescue, Uk and Elias were examined by a doctor and it was determined they survived the incident without injury. The jet ski has still not been located.