A large cargo vessel is grounded on Belize's reef near Gallows Point - and we can confirm that it has damaged live coral. This is according to the Chief Environmental Officer who told us that a joint team is trying to remove the vessel "Herca 1". They can only make a full assessment of the damages after it is removed.
The accident happened on Sunday morning at 4:00 am when the 325 pound ship experienced engine failure and ran aground east of the Drowned Cayes, east of Belize City.
With that it was left to the mercy of the strong easterly winds and tides, which carried it unto the reef where it remains grounded tonight. The vessel came from Puerto Cortez destined for Florida.
The Port Authority is leading the investigation and the vessel is detained pending an investigation into the grounding incident, environmental impacts, and damage assessment. - which - we are told unofficially - could be in the 6 or 7 figure range.
The Port Authority say the vessel does not pose a threat of pollution at this time, as its hull remains intact. There are 13 crew members onboard who are safe and cooperating with Belizean Authorities in the investigation.
