The Belize Port Authority detained the grounded 98.25-meter Panamanian-registered general cargo vessel HERCA-1 on March 26th for investigation.
According to Belize Port Authority, the ship was transiting Belizean waters on route to Port Everglades, carrying containers and break-bulk cargo. At approximately 4 am on Sunday, the Herca-1 experienced mechanical failure and ran aground east of the Drowned Cayes.
The vessel remains grounded, and the salvage operation will commence shortly under the supervision of the Department of the Environment, Belize Port Authority and the Belize Coast Guard.
The vessel has been detained pending an investigation into the grounding incident, environmental impacts, and damage assessment. A joint team comprising the Belize Port Authority, Department of the Environment, Belize Coast Guard, and Fisheries Department are attending to the incident. Upon inspection, the vessel does not pose a threat of pollution at this time, as its hull remains intact. However, damage assessment to the marine environment is still ongoing.
Once dislodged from its grounded position, the vessel will remain detained until the investigation and damage assessment concludes. The 13 crew members onboard are safe and cooperating with Belizean Authorities in the conduct of the investigation. The Belize Port Authority has also duly informed the Flag State of the marine incident and the ship’s status.
Previously, the Panama flagged vessel was detained on 13 November 2022 at Belfast, found with 13 deficiencies with 2 ground for detention. This vessel was released on 08 December 2022.
