WILLEMSTAD - At the Rescue and Coordination Center of the Coast Guard, a report was received by the Curaçao Police Force (KPC) last night at seven o'clock that the local fishing vessel “Despensami” had encountered problems near St. Joris Bay. The RCC immediately contacted the vessel by phone to get more information about the situation.
Those onboard report that the sea was very rough and that there were problems with their vessel’s engine. They reported that they were drifting towards the coast and would soon hit the rocks.
The Support Center on Parera was immediately informed and sent their land patrol and the patrol vessel Panter to the location and the CITRO was on stand-by. The coast guard plane Dash was then deployed to find the vessel. In the meantime, the Coast Guard helicopter had also been deployed to assist with the search. After a search, the Dash finally found the boat and spotted two people in life jackets in the water. The coastguard helicopter then took over the rescue operation and lifted the two people out of the water and brought them to the coastguard station at Hato. Both persons were in good health and did not require medical assistance.