Boat lost on Utila-Roatan trip found

[DandyDon]

See: Bridge City teen, missing 4 days at sea off Honduras, is found | NOLA.com

There are several versions of the news story, mostly focused on the teenaged American girl for headlines, but vary somewhat on particulars. I took a similar trip once there but fortunately the charter boat I was on broke down before it got away from Roatan. It didn't have life vests or a fire extinguisher, but at least it had a radio that work. I did not know that the U.S.Coast Guard works in those water - good that it does.

 

[RTBDiver]

The coast guard can be seen quite regularly around Roatan, they often overnight at the Coxen Hole port when it is out of Cruise season, there is a USCG bas on the mainland, I am sure it did not hurt the search efforts that there were two Americans on board

 

[laurenceh]

had the owner of the boat known they were taking it to roatan he would have never let them take it. they had told him they were just going to water cay, half a mile off of utila and only three miles from town.

 

[beaverdivers]

Which island did they end up on? Was it on Glover's atoll in Belize?

 

[John_B]

 

[DandyDon]

So many different versions of the story around the net. One did mention that they were originally going to Cat Island, then changed their destination for Roatan - made it there, later headed back, apparently without refueling or an emergency beacon. One said he got stuck on a reef somewhere and was helped off of it by authorities. One mentioned that the US Coast Guard got involved after two days when they learned there were Americans on board. While some say they were wrecked on an island, others say they were adrift - a couple saying they were near the island of Santa Elena, but a search for that island goes to one in the South Atlantic. Here is a map offered by a few sources...

 

[beaverdivers]

Yes, I saw this map from the news story. It looks to be close to Glover's atoll. But they state on the map #3 " Group found adrift on boat 60 miles NW from their intended destination ".

However the article quotes the mother's comment: “It was a boat wreck. They were stranded on an island,” Capehart said. “They were signaling for help, so they were able to move.”

Then later states:
They were found on an island about 65 miles from where they launched, Capehart said. All eight people were seen signaling an aircraft, she said.

Taking a rough look at a map of the Bay Island & Belize, it does look like about 65 miles from Utila to Glover's atoll.

I'm sure it was an adventure they won't forget. I glad they are OK.

I have always wanted to make that voyage between Roatan & Belize. Is there still ferry service?

They would have been better off going to Water Caye off Utila. It is a beautiful spot. ( Yet, Glover's atoll is one of my favorite dive spots. )

 

[laurenceh]

they were rescued at sea by helicopter. they had left roatan at 3pm saturday after filling their gas tank, broke down 5 miles off shore and drifted for 3+ days and 60 miles. luckily they got two good rain showers and collected water. they had told the boat owner they were just going to water cay, utila.

 

[RTBDiver]

- a couple saying they were near the island of Santa Elena, but a search for that island goes to one in the South Atlantic.

Not that it has to do with where they were found but Helene, far east of Roatan is also known as St Elena