Still no charges in the maritime death of 17-year-old American national

The Belize Port Authority says its investigation into the boating incident that claimed the life of 17-year-old American National Logan Ceylon Pratt remains open. In February, the minor lost her life after she was struck by a boat while swimming off the coast of Ambergris Caye. The vessel’s captain, Jesse James Smith, told police that he was coming back from a tour and passing through the area when he heard a noise as if the boat ran over a log. The 30-year-old says he then looked back, heard a female scream, and saw two women in the water. Pratt received cut wounds and abrasions to her body and died while being treated at the island’s clinic. Today, Acting Ports Commissioner, Darlin Gaitan, provided an update on investigations into the teen’s death. 

Darlin Gaitan, Acting Ports Commissioner: “When I say conclusion it means that we have concluded the data gathering but to my knowledge the captain has not been charged no.”

Reporter: Is it now that the Port Authority would advise or recommend for a criminal investigation or consult with the DPP’s office ? 

Darlin Gaitan, Acting Ports Commissioner: “Well it will all depend because remember where the incident happened also appears to be an area that is not meant for that type of use and so we have a user conflict situation here that needs to be clarified in order for that recommendation to happen.”