Oh no...this is really horrible.

Having read the forecast and seen Elbert's picture and summation this morning I just figured tours to the HC cut would be cancelled due to wind and surf conditions. Apparently not, and perhaps conditions as they appeared from Caye Caulker did not seem to warrent a cancellation. Regardless of inquest findings perhaps this will provide some impetus to develop a "red flag" warning program and take decisions of water safety out of the hands of the tour operators and guides. Similar to beach closures for undertow this would prelude tours entering the water until such times as hazardous conditons abate. I'm less interested in finding fault and more interested in having proper and practical safety precautions in place. My heartfelt sympathy to all involved. Its simply a tragic.