And those search efforts will be re-intensified tomorrow. Spokeswoman for the families Audrey Matura-Shepherd said that since tomorrow is Saturday, they are calling on everyone who can help - to join in on search efforts.
Audrey Matura-Shepherd, Spokeswoman for Families
"Please take the time now that you are not working tomorrow and come out and help us. You could call us today after you see this newscast, call us and we will be able then to ensure that when you call us, we put you on a roster so that you can go out on a boat with us so that then you can assist us in anyway possible, but we just need you to come out.
What we're planning to do is have as many vessels as possible out there. of course the authorities will help us coordinate it, because they will know better how to strategically place everyone. But the thing that we need to do is get the resources: get the boats, get the aircrafts, get the jet skis, the canoes, the kayaks, and the divers. We need to get the resources and give it to them and ask them to help us deploy them effectively.
We have to comb everything. If it is two or three times, we will do it because we know it is important that we find them. The families will need closure and so we need to find them and we need answers."
Those interested can visit the command center at the Avis Car Rental headquarters in Ladyville or call 205-2653. And while Matura-Shepherd is calling for civilian search parties - the search is being led by the Coast Guard and BDF. Commander of the Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander Johnny Borland says today they expanded their search to include all of Belize's territorial waters. Borland says that even after 5 days, there is still reason to hope.
Lt. Com. Johnny Borland, Coast Guard
"As long as they have on their life jackets or personal floating devices, there's a 90% chance of survival. A life jacket increases your chances of survival dramatically so what will happen then though is that they would be drifting in the search area we were searching the first day because that was our first scenario that we had developed, over first search area drifting between the reef and Turneffe.
Their chances of surviving up to five days are better than what it would be in any part of the world because the weather conditions here are conducive to survive. The water temperature, especially if they have on their life jackets and if they are together, if they huddle together it is good for morale, it keeps them warm, it keeps them motivated, and it keeps them protected from the elements. So chances of survival if they are together with their life jackets up to five days are better than average I would say."
Candlelight vigils are planned for tonight at Avis Car Rental in Ladyville, the Battlefield Park in Belize City, the steps of the National Assembly in Belmopan, and in Dangriga.
Again the missing men are 48-year-old Darrington Escobar, 50-year-old Mauro Ismael Quiroz, his son, 31-year-old Abner Quiroz, 50-year-old Magistrate Richard Swift, 53-year-old Nick Egbert Nicholson, 42-year-old Gustavo Briceno, and 25-year-old Elon Reyes. Anyone with information is asked to contact Police, the BDF, or Coast Guard.
