Yesterday, we showed you "Herca 1," the massive cargo ship that had run aground near Gallows Point, which is east of Belize City. While it is confirmed that the ship has damaged the live reef, today the Acting Port Commissioner told us they would have to remove the ship before DOE can conduct their investigation.
And while yesterday's attempt wasn't successful, today the ship was removed from the reef by two tug boats.
So while the damage assessments can now begin, this morning, the Acting Ports Commissioner spoke to us before the removal.
Darlin Gaitan, Acting Port Commissioner
"Yesterday, there was a salvage operation commenced, however, it was not successful and so today it has reinitiated again with more resources because yesterday they didn't have enough resources to pull the vessel off successfully and so now they've been, the company has been advised to up their resources in terms of removing that vessel as soon as possible."
"What we have here is so far a case of environmental damage but not pollution from the ship in terms of any discharge overboard."
Courtney Menzies:
"What about penalties for the captain of the ship?"
Darlin Gaitan, Acting Port Commissioner
"Currently the investigation is ongoing so that would have to be upon conclusion that they would be if any charges to the ship but in terms of the environmental aspect of it, that would be the Department of the the Environment so I wouldn't be able to comment on the DOE's charges or any negotiation with the ship."
Reporter:
"In terms of preliminary reports, how bad is the damage?"
Darlin Gaitan, Acting Port Commissioner
"That would have to be from the Department of Environment, they're the ones conducting the environment assessment so I wouldn't be able to comment on that."
Reporter:
"Did we know that the ship was in our waters before this happened?"
Darlin Gaitan, Acting Port Commissioner
"Yes, absolutely, we do have AIS tracking which is monitoring a vessel's transponder through the automatic identification system the Belize Port Authority mans 24/7 vessel movement so we were able to see the vessel when it entered territorial waters and when it went into the reef."
She also added that the owner of the ship will be billed for the cost of the removal, and that the captain is currently cooperating with authorities. The assessment of the damages commences now.
