Coast Guard Commandant: GAF Were Last Here Two Years Ago

Rear Admiral Bennett mentioned that this was the second sighting of a Guatemalan naval vessel in the area in the past two years. However, our records indicate that in September of this year, Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) were found in Belizean waters. Reports emerged of Guatemalan naval vessels, including one named Quetzal, spotted off the coast of Barranco Village. Despite being shown GPS coordinates by B.D.F personnel proving they were in Belizean territory, the vessels reportedly refused to leave. Today, Bennett reiterated that the last time a Guatemalan vessel was in our waters was in November 2022. This ongoing issue highlights the tensions and challenges in maintaining our maritime boundaries.

 

Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard

“We’ve had sightings in that area. I think the, the last sighting would have been perhaps two years ago in the same area. And the same thing occurred. We informed them that they were inside Belizean waters and they eventually left. It’s not a usual occurrence that we would see the Guatemalan Navy patrolling in that area.  I cannot explain why they would be patrolling inside our sea spaces.”