The press also asked the Port Commissioner about a barge which sunk while it was on the way to Caye Caulker.
On June 9th, it was being tugged by a vessel named "Pulla". The barge was carrying a truck, an excavator, and steel beams, which have all be recovered from the sea.
But the barge is still submerged. So today, we asked the Commissioner about their investigation into the vessel's mishap:
Merlene Bailey-Martinez - Ports Commissioner, Belize Port Authority
"We know that they have retrieved the excavator and some other equipment that was on the barge. But, the barge has not yet been retrieved. So, it's still lying with the bottom. We've had discussions with the owner, Mr. Chamberlain, and he's working on getting the barge floated, and taken to Caye Caulker. So, that's about the latest update. We are continuing with our investigation. Our initial investigation, we have had divers going down there, taking pictures of the sunken barge. And the pictures are showing some issues with the barge, which we have to further investigate, once it is dry-docked once it is afloat."
Reporter
"So, there is nothing definitively to say as yet, what may have caused the barge to be sunk?"
Merlene Bailey-Martinez
"Well, the photos do show that there were some breaches in the hull of the barge. The photos show that. The extent of it - but this is underwater but is very clearly seen, and we believe that's what caused the ingress of water. Once the barge is retrieved, then we'll be able to do a more thorough investigation."
We understand that at the time of the incident, the vessel was reportedly being captained by a Belize City resident.
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