WILLEMSTAD - The Rescue and Coordination Center (RCC) detected a suspicious vessel on the radar last Thursday. The RCC informed the Coast Guard cutter Jaguar which was immediately dispatched to the vessel. The crew of the Jaguar later confirmed that the vessel, a boat called "El Poder de Dios", was en route to Curaçao with merchandise. The customs were also informed while the Jaguar guided the bark towards St. Anna Bay. During customs control, the vessel's Colombian clearance papers were found to be false.
The Coastguard carries out strict controls on all vessels from Venezuela and Colombia that enter and leave the port for purchasing and / or selling goods. This check is carried out in close collaboration with the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (police), Customs and the port authorities of Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire. All vessels must always have official documents with them. The Coastguard warns that if the law is not observed, it will be enforced and there will be arrests.