Update on rescue efforts at sea...

On Sunday 20th March, 2011, at about 11:00am, information was received from The Belize Coast Guard of a cargo vessel that had sunk about two miles out of the outer reef, east of Caye Caulker Village. Initial investigations revealed that the vessel was a cargo ship, 74 meters in length and 11meters in width, with the name HELGA that was travelling from Panama and was heading to Mexico with a shipment of salt. The crew consisted of (11) male person, all of Cuban Nationality. The crew rescued were namely: Iraelio Mengana Garcia, 47yrs; Armando Garnado Martinez, 47yrs; Antonio Perez Sadez, 37yrs; Humberto Iglesias Hernandez, 49yrs; Alfredo Porta Martinez, 43yrs; Jose Consta Nalia, 46yrs; George Herrera Aldana, 38yrs; Joaquin Ruiz De Zarate Arribas, 39yrs. The three that are still missing Arturo Edreira Cuza (Captain), Nelson Perez Ardao and Alexis Gonzalez Cune are still being sought by Coast Guard, Police and local personnel.

This information was provided by the Police Press Office...

Cuban Boat lands on shore

At around 2am Wednesday morning, the San Pedro Police Department received information that a Cuban boat had landed on the beach in the Boca Del Rio area.Officers were dispatched to the area where they saw 7 male Cuban nationals alighting the boat.
The boat passengers were taken to the Police station where a doctor was summoned to administer medical attention to them.
All 7 men were declared to be in good health, and they are currently being housed at the station awaiting immigration processing.