WILLEMSTAD – A catamaran captain was rescued at sea on Wednesday after issuing a distress call from a sinking vessel, according to the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard. The incident took place approximately 130 nautical miles (about 240 kilometers) northeast of Bonaire.
During a routine patrol flight, the crew of a Coast Guard aircraft received a mayday call via radio. The captain reported that his catamaran was taking on water and that he urgently needed assistance. The Maritime Operations Center (MOC) was immediately activated to coordinate the rescue operation.
With no other ships nearby to offer help, the Coast Guard deployed a helicopter to the scene. The crew successfully located the catamaran and safely airlifted the captain from the vessel.
The rescued man was flown to Curaçao, where he was handed over to immigration authorities, who will assist in arranging his return home.