What ended in heartbreak also revealed the courage of those who rushed in to help. Lifeguards and swimming instructors from 501 Lifeguard became a major part of today’s search effort, after they abandoned their own classes nearby and headed straight to the river. The outcome was tragic, but many are now praising the team for their quick response and selflessness. Instructor Tevin Conorque says the search was especially difficult because divers had to navigate deep, murky water with limited visibility. Owner Andrew Gentle says his team did not hesitate. They saw a family in crisis, stopped what they were doing, and went out to serve.
Tevin Conorque
Tevin Conorque, Lifeguard Instructor, 501 Lifeguard
“Honestly it was a little bit breathtaking due to the depth of the water. All we could have done was free dive and try to comb the area and see how fast we could get the body out of the water. Due to the darkness of the water, it was intense to see. But we still pulled through. We had the faith and courage to get it out.”
Reporter
How long were you all out there?
Tevin Conorque
“Probably about three to four hours in the water combing. Atleast we could have gotten the body out for the family. I know they feel this. It is tragic that their loved one was in the water and passed away due to drowning.”
Andrew Gentle
Andrew Gentle, Owner, 501 Lifeguard
“You guys saw us from one o’clock. So, I really want to send my condolences to the family. I say thanks to my top instructor Chaplin for doing a good job. I appreciate it mien. With our team it is just love. We show love but we come out a lot but we try to show our respect to everybody. These guys were working, teaching swimming classes but they wanted to leave the classes. But I tell them we had to take three instructors out. But now, the whole team is here, all instructors are here.”
Trained Divers Battle Difficult River Conditions
As the search intensified, police called on the Belize Coast Guard for help, and they quickly mobilized its dive team. Commandant Rear Admiral Gregory Soberanis told us how that request came in from the Belize Police Department and what his team faced once they entered the water. He says the operation required careful coordination, trained divers, and a clear plan as they worked through difficult river conditions. Soberanis explained what went into today’s dive operation and how his team responded. Here is what he told us.
Gregory Soberanis
Rear Admiral Gregory Soberanis, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard
“We got a call from police, Mr. Marciano that an unfortunate incident had occurred where a young lady had jumped in the river as a result of being attacked by bees. So he was asking for assistance from the Coast Guard to do a dive operation, to which we responded. Whenever we do dive operations there are several things we have to consider. We look at the current visibility. But our guys activated with the assistance of other divers. Fortunately the young lady was found. With the lifeguards, internal to the coast guard, we have our own system of training when it comes to water operations and conducting these type of operation. But we are always grateful for the type of assistance offered by other personnel who would contribute to the overall dive effort as we saw here today, a collaborative effort between coast guard divers in locating the body of the young lady.”
We will have more details on this incident in our newscast on Monday.
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.
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