Boat accident in Caye Caulker leaves 2 persons injured

The San Pedro Sun has has been able to confirm that there was an accident in Caye Caulker earlier this afternoon. Confirmed reports are that a vessel exploded in the vicinity of the Caye Caulker Gas Station, located at the Pelican Point Marina.

Unofficial reports are that while two individuals were injured, one individual has been transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, in a critical condition, while the other remains on the scene.

The vessel reportedly came from St George's Caye to fill up with gas and had left the station when the explosion occurred.

The San Pedro Sun will continue to follow up on this story and report to you as the information becomes available.

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...

American National suffers Jet skiing accident

A female American National, identified as Cara Bray, suffered a jet skiing accident in the waters of the Boca Chica area shortly before 11:30am.

According to her husband Jack Bray, they were on the jet ski, with Cara in the back seat, when they hit another jet ski in front of them. Bray explained that when he released the throttle gear to slow down the speed of the jet ski, he tried to swerve out of the way of the jet ski ahead of them, but was unable to avoid collision. Upon impact, Cara was flung off the ski and into the waters.

According to an eyewitness aboard the SP Water Jets Express boat heading in to San Pedro from Belize City, passengers saw an obviously injured Bray floating in the water. Those onboard the boat rendered assistance and ensured that Bray was transported to the San Pedro PolyClinic II.

According to Dr. Otto Rodriguez, attending physician, Bray was complaining of a severe pain in the back area. She was stabilized, and because the San Pedro PolyClinic II is not equipped to treat such an emergency, Bray was airlifted to Belize City for further medical attention.

Traffic Accident on Coconut Drive!

An unfortunate accident involving a KIA Sportage and a Club Car Golf Cart took place this evening at the North-East corner of the San Pedro Airstrip (on Coconut Drive).
Details are sketchy at this point as to what led to the accident, and The San Pedro Sun will be investigating and getting the details as they become available.

Traffic Accident on Pescador Drive

In the early afternoon hours of Monday, September 20th, there were reports of a traffic accident that occurred in front of a popular restaurant on Pescador Drive. The accident occurred at approximately 2:30pm and involved a cream-colored parked golf cart and a white truck. Information received from the San Pedro Police Department revealed that both parties decided to settle out of court, and hence the matter is no longer under investigation.

Cancer Society hosts Blood Drive

Miguel, treasurer of the San Pedro Cancer Society, donated some blood on Saturday.

The San Pedro Cancer Society held a blood drive on Saturday to help collect much needed blood for two of the community's own. A young man who suffered an unfortunate accident last week has been undergoing several surgeries and requires blood, whereas another gentleman who is scheduled to receive treatment after falling off of a building where he works, will also be a recipient of some of the blood collected during the drive.

Monica, President of the San Pedro Cancer Society, alongside Mary, a member of the Society, prepare to head in and give some blood.

Dr. Severo Guerrero Jr, "Severito", fills in his form to determine if he can donate. He also donated blood.

Below, Mr. Milo Paz also fills out his form before donating to this very worthy cause.

During the day there was a food sale of tamales and tamalitos de chaya. The Cancer Society joined forces with The Belize National Blood Transfusion Service for this very worthy activity.

Kudos to all who showed up, and donated, bought food or pledged their support.

Golf Cart runs over motorbike

Last night around 7pm electrician Secundino Gonzalez was making a house call to the residence of Elito Arceo when his parked motorbike was run over by an out of control golf cart. Witnesses report that the driver of the cart, Reed Purdy, appeared under the influence of alcohol and was speeding along the road that borders the south side of The Mansions Gated Community in the San Pablo area. Somehow Purdy lost control of his cart and completely ran over the parked motorbike while also damaging a section of the Arceo fence.

Police were called but had not yet arrived when The SPSun reported to the scene. At that time Purdy was not with his vehicle and witnesses stated that he claimed to be on a mission to replace the motorbike.

No one was injured and the accident is under investigation by the San Pedro Police Department.