Oceana Belize has facilitated the donation of a 28’ Bradley Pelican marine vessel, Tiburon, powered by two 115 horse power outboard engines, to the Belize Coast Guard in an effort to combat illegal fishing, piracy and drug trafficking in Belize’s waters. The donation was made possible through the kind support of multiple partners.
At the official boat handover ceremony which took place at the Coast Guard Compound on Wednesday, September 25th 2019, Vice-Commandant Captain Elton Bennett said that this platform will enable the Coast Guard to execute its mission of enforcing maritime laws at sea, to extend its operational reach and to deter illegal activities from our sea spaces.
“We’re pleased to assist in the expansion of your sea-going fleet as you continue to patrol the nooks and crannies of our country, as you work to safeguard the marine resources that so many of us depend on”, stated Janelle Chanona, Vice President of Oceana Belize. “We depend on you and we’re trusting in you to be a meaningful enforcement presence for the nation and this is just a drop in the bucket of our gratitude for you doing that every single day.”
The net worth of the donation is valued at just over BZ$124,000 dollars.