Curiously, no Belizean officials or investigators were present during the salvage of the Wave Dancer wreck. Additionally, there are discrepencies with regard to personal property disposal and boat specifications between the IMMARBE report and the Salvage Survey. Does this indicate that IMMARBE has only done a perfunctory and cursory investigation into a marine accident that killed 20 people?





  • A Wreck Removal Order was issued by the Belize Ports Authority two weeks after the capsizing of the Wave Dancer, on October 22, 2001.
  • Peter Hughes entered into a "WRECK FIXED 99" removal contract with Titan Maritime LLC out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
  • Titan was hired on a lump sum basis (reported to be slightly under $1 million) to refloat the vessel using its KARLISSA B jack up crane barge.
  • The Wave Dancer was rolled and partially raised on November 1, 2001.
  • She was then floated and removed alongside the dock on November 2, 2001.
  • The personal effects of the Americans which were found onboard the Wave Dancer were sent to the U.S. Embassy in Belize on November 2nd, and mid-November 2001.
  • The personal effects of the two deceased Belizeans, Brenda Wade and Eloisa Johnson, were delivered by 2nd Captain Frank Wouters at Big Creek dock on November 2nd and 3rd.
  • Loose equipment, mainly diving and life-saving equipment, as well as mooring ropes, the aft port bitt or Sampson post and other items were placed in a container and are now in the custody of 3D Marine in Belize City. The equipment was inspected by representatives of IMMARBE.
  • The capstan and foredeck section were forwarded to Miami on the supply vessel Victoria.
  • The Wave Dancer was found extensively damaged and was declared a constructive total loss.

Sources:
IMMARBE Report
Titan Maritime, LLC

























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