The maritime patrol aircraft Dash 8 of the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard played a vital role in two rescues at sea last weekend.
After the earlier successful rescue of a small freighter caught adrift near Bonaire, the Dash 8 was called into action near St. Maarten on Saturday. Following a brief search, a fishing vessel in distress was located near Antigua. Identified as the fishing vessel "Exodus" with two persons on board, a rescue effort was set up by the Rescue & Coordination Centre of the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard. A motor vessel nearby was directed to the Exodus and was able to tow the fishing vessel to St. Johns. The Coast Guard of Antigua then safely guided the Exodus into the port.
The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard is responsible for search and rescue at sea and maritime law enforcement. The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard is ready and available 24/7 at the toll-free number 913.