A routine water taxi journey turned into a harrowing experience on Sunday evening when The International Star, a vessel operated by San Pedro Belize Water Taxi, ran aground near San Pedro Town. The incident left 38 passengers and two crew members stranded. The boat had departed from Chetumal earlier in the day and was en route to Caye Caulker after a scheduled stop in San Pedro when the mishap occurred. The Belize Port Authority has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the incident and to assess whether safety protocols were adhered to. Ports Commissioner Kaylon Young emphasized the importance of the probe, stating, ‘The Belize Port Authority investigates maritime casualties to ensure safety, identify gaps, and learn lessons to improve our mechanisms. We will examine the root cause, check for breaches in safety protocols, and assess the vessel’s condition, the competence of the master, and the navigation equipment.’ The investigation aims to address any areas of concern and prevent future incidents.