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 -

US National Fined $1.7MIL for Reef Damage

U-S National David Lautner, whose catamaran destroyed a portion of the reef near Lighthouse Reef Atoll around May 2, 2007, was found guilty of recklessly causing a disaster that resulted in a loss of the environment when he appeared in court. Lautner was fined 1.7 million U-S dollars by Magistrate Ed P. Usher. He is to pay fifty thousand Belize dollars within two months and the balance over a period of five years. In his ruling, Magistrate Usher said that Lautner was guilty of the charge because he did not exercise due diligence while navigating the waters of Belize and that for that size of a vessel there should have been a pilot and sufficient crew members on board. The size of the reef that was destroyed measured 125 feet by 75 feet. Lautner was represented by attorney Lionel Welch while Douglas Carr represented the Department of the Environment. (from Love FM News)