Lighthouse at Half Moon Caye Natural Monument Falls Due to TS Matthew

    Press Release – Belize Audubon Society, Belize City, Belize, October 1, 2010 - The historic lighthouse at Half Moon Caye has finally given way to the forces of nature, as a result of Tropical Storm Matthew. The Half Moon Caye staff was evacuated from the island in the threat of the storm, so all we know is that it was some time during the weather-event that the structure fell.

 Lighthouse structure before Tropical Storm Matthew impact

The discovery was made by staff upon their return to the island on Monday and a complete assessment was conducted on a trip to the island shortly thereafter. The active lighthouse was unaffected and continues to function properly.

The structure, built in 1820, now lies as disintegrated pieces of metal partly in the water at the edge of the island. The lighthouse was upgraded in 1845 and the steel frame added in 1930. Originally located midway between the north and southside of the caye, the lighthouse in recent years had been gradually moving closer to the water as weather phenomena changed the dynamics of the caye, shifting it northward.

The old lighthouse was decommissioned in 1997 and since then has been gradually decaying. Efforts were being made to preserve the cultural landmark, but it did not gather enough steam to generate the needed funding. In 1998, a new lighthouse was erected several meters away from the old structure.

Belize Audubon Society is currently seeking funding to erect a multi-function building visually replicating the iconic architectural design of the old lighthouse. This new structure will not only honor the old lighthouse but will also function as a visitor centre, communications center, and patrol and observation deck. - End -

Belize! Playground to the Rich and Famous

Lifestyles of the rich and famous

Belize, playground to the rich and famous, attracted Paul Allen, one of the richest man in the world to vacation in Belizean water on board the world’s largest privately owned yacht “Octopus” on the week of January 26, 2010. The magnificent yacht was seen anchored near Half Moon Caye.

Octopus is currently the world's ninth largest super yacht, owned by Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, to whom she was delivered in 2003. Octopus is the third largest super yacht that is not owned by a head of state, measuring 414 feet (126 m).

Paul Allen - worth US$20 billion according to Forbes, the third richest man in America and 7th in the world - owns two other monsters yachts such as Tatoosh ranked 3rd in the World in 2003. Octopus cost Allen over US$200 million and has Permanent crew of 60, including several former Navy Seals. It has two helicopters, seven boats, a 10 man submarine and a remote controlled vehicle for crawling on the Ocean floor. The submarine has the capacity to sleep eight for up to two weeks underwater, one operated by remote control for studying the bottom of the ocean. Side hatches at the water line form a dock for jet skis.

On average, owners must spend a minimum of 10 percent of the purchase price every year to keep these yachts in good working condition and cover crew salaries. Therefore “Octopus” which cost Allen US$200 million requires a US$20 million annual budget. Ahhhhh! The life of the rich and famous!!