The mayor of a hurricane-hit town in Belize where at least 19 people died aboard a dive boat said he offered the American visitors shelter on land three times.

At least 15 American tourists have died after surging waves powered by Hurricane Iris capsized a moored boat in Belize.

Hurricane Iris strengthened into the Atlantic’s most powerful hurricane of the year as it advanced across the Caribbean toward Central America tonight bringing winds of up to 140 mph.