7 News Belize

Police Investigating Tourist Death
posted (February 3, 2011)
Last night we told you about American national, fifty-nine year old Dianna Mechling who was on a snorkeling tour yesterday afternoon at Goff's Caye when she was caught in the propeller of the excursion's catamaran. Mechling was cut up, and suffered head trauma when her head was flung against the vessel.

Mechling was along with her husband 61 year old Michael Mechling, on a red, yellow and white 65 foot catamaran, captained by 45 year old Martin Manuel Pariente.

Police say she was in the water snorkeling with three other tourists when she went under the boat. Today, Police Press Officer told us what their investigations have uncovered so far:

Sgt. Fitzroy Yearwood, Police Press Officer
"Our initial investigation had led us to believe that Ms. Mechling was in the water with 3 other tourists snorkeling and for some reason she ended up under the boat and eventually into the propeller for the same catamaran that they were on and apparently she got a large cut wound to the inner portion of her right leg and i think two more wounds to the face - somewhere around the right cheek area. I can say that she was on that trip with her husband Michael Mechling and she was transported to Belize Medical Associates where she later succumbs to her injuries."

"We are still questioning the boat captain; we have interviewed the other members that were on the snorkeling expedition. We are trying to see whether or not it is as a neglect for what may have caused her death."

Andrea Polanco
"So Mr. Fitzroy tell me, if charges should be levied against anybody, would it be the captain of the catamaran?"

Sgt. Fitzroy Yearwood, Police Press Officer
"Well that would be determined at the end of the investigation then we will submit the case file to the DPP for her perusal and further instructions. So I am not at liberty to say who will be charged if anybody would be charged in this incident."

Meschling was a passenger on the Ryndam, a Holland America Line Cruise Ship who was in Belize for the day. USA TODAY, said that a release sent by Holland America gave few details except to say that an investigation into the accident continues and that line has stopped offering snorkeling tour pending the outcome of the investigations. The release continued to say "We are deeply saddened by this," stating that it has deployed a care team to assist the woman's family. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends."

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