By Belize Live News Staff: Belizean authorities are preparing to launch a detailed investigation into the death of an elderly American man who was found aboard a drifting catamaran in waters off the Belize coast.
The vessel was first reported by a passing cruise ship on Wednesday morning after crew members encountered an elderly woman alone aboard the boat.
According to initial information, the woman told the cruise ship crew that her husband had died the previous morning after suffering what she believed was a heart attack.
The Belize Rescue Team was alerted and responded to the report, locating the catamaran drifting toward the Belizean shoreline.
When rescuers boarded the vessel, they discovered the body of an elderly Caucasian male.
Authorities noted that blood was observed inside the catamaran, and investigators are now working to determine the circumstances that led to the man’s death.
The Belize Coast Guard has been called to assist and is expected to tow the vessel to Caye Caulker village for further examination.
Officials say personnel from the Criminal Investigation Branch, Special Branch, and Scenes of Crime have been placed on standby pending the arrival of the vessel.
At this time, the identities of the deceased man and the woman who was found aboard the catamaran have not yet been confirmed.
Investigations into the incident remain ongoing.
