WILLEMSTAD - Last night, the Maritime Operational Center of the Coast Guard detected a suspicious boat heading towards Curaçao. Two Metal Sharks were immediately dispatched to investigate. Upon arrival, the vessel was identified as a 'Yola' type boat carrying a large number of people. 

All individuals were taken to the base in Parera for further investigation. In total, there were 43 undocumented persons onboard. Among them were 37 adults, comprising 28 men and 9 women, and 6 minors. The minors included 3 boys and 3 girls, with ages ranging from 7 to 17 years old. 

The group consisted of 42 individuals of Venezuelan nationality and one individual of Colombian nationality. All 43 individuals were handed over to the local authorities, who will continue the investigation into this matter.