BELIZE CITY, BELIZE – A Caribbean Sprinter water taxi service experienced a significant grounding incident over the weekend, resulting in injuries to multiple passengers. According to Ports Commissioner Kaylon Young, the vessel collided with a mangrove island approximately twenty minutes into its journey through an area locally designated as the ‘Short Cut’ route.
The incident occurred on Saturday morning as the vessel departed Belize City at 10:30 AM en route to Caye Caulker, Caye Chapel, and San Pedro. Commissioner Young confirmed that all passengers were successfully evacuated from the boat and transported to their intended destinations. Four individuals sustained minor injuries during the incident and received prompt medical attention at nearby facilities.
The Belize Port Authority has initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the precise cause of the accident. The inquiry will examine multiple factors including potential operational errors, the captain’s qualifications and experience operating commercial-sized vessels, and prevailing weather conditions at the time of the incident. Commissioner Young emphasized the dual nature of the investigation, addressing both safety protocols and potential legal implications.
‘We are conducting a thorough safety investigation to identify the root cause of this incident and implement preventive measures,’ Young stated. ‘Should our investigation reveal violations of maritime regulations, appropriate charges will be filed against responsible parties.’
The investigation represents Belize’s commitment to maintaining rigorous safety standards within its maritime transportation network, which serves as a vital connection between the mainland and popular island destinations.