The Belize Coast Guard has rescued two American women who were attempting to reach the US on a sailboat.� The foreign-flagged sailboat named Sencilla had left Livingston, Guatemala en route to Florida on Wednesday, but soon after departure it encountered unfavorable weather conditions and its engine failed. Then its sails got damaged and the boat ended up drifting into Belizean waters. The Belize Coast Guard Service received a distress call and quick action led to the recovery of the vessel and the rescue of its two female occupants.� Operations Officer with the Belize Coast Guard, Lieutenant Kenrick Thomas shared with News Five how they managed to make a successful rescue of a boat drifting without lights at night in bad weather.
Lt. Kenrick Thomas, Operations Officer, Belize Coast Guard
"The Coast Guard deployed two assets to conduct surface searches in the area and at about ten-forty p.m., the vessel was located southeast of Ranguana Caye. The vessel was towed to safe harbour, where the Coast Guard continues to render to provide the necessary assistance for the occupants. Onboard were two female American nationals who (are) reported to be in good health condition. It was a straight voyage and that crosses our territorial sea spaces, where they experienced the mechanical failure."
Marion Ali
"How difficult of a rescue operation was this?"
Lt. Kenrick Thomas
"It was a difficult one; one because the vessel lost complete power, so there was no visibility - sorry - it was very difficult for the Coast Guard because it was a night operation and secondly, the vessel had no sort of lighting. At 10:40pm, the distress vessel was located fourteen nautical miles southeast of Ranguana Caye. The vessel and crew were towed to safe harbor where the Belize Coast Guard continues to render the necessary assistance. Both mariners onboard were reported to be in good health."
Coast Guard Warns Mariners and Amateur Sailors to Heed Weather Conditions
Thomas warns seafarers who want to venture out on long marine voyages to pay keen attention to the weather advisories to avoid getting caught in thunderstorms and rough sea conditions that can potentially put their lives at risk.
Lt. Kenrick Thomas, Operations Officer, Belize Coast Guard
"We at the Coast Guard would like to inform the general public to take heed into the weather forecast, especially prior to going out at sea and when they start experiencing bad weather out at sea to seek safe harbor and not to weather the storm out in the open waters."
Seafarers are also advised to ensure that they have adequate lighting equipment and life jackets for everyone on board.
Channel 5
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