The Department of Environment estimates that when it crashed into Belize’s reef two weeks ago, the Westerhaven cargo ship caused US$26.9 million in damages. Today the case went to court and arguments were presented. There has been no ruling but the Chief Justice did grant the ship bail.

It may sound weird but the Chief Justice ruled that the ship – which has been in custody of the port since it was removed from the reef – could be released if the owner provides US$6.5 million as a security or get one of the commercial banks or insurance companies to sign for it. When we checked this evening, the ship had not met the bail.