WILLEMSTAD - The Coast Guard, Police, and other authorities will conduct checks at sea and along the coastlines during Fuikdag 2024 on Sunday, January 7. The purpose of these checks is to ensure that individuals adhere to the measures established by the Government of Curaçao for that day and to maintain public order. The Coast Guard requests owners of pleasure boats, charter boats, and Seadoos to take into account the measures in place for Fuikdag.
Based on the measures, the sale of alcohol is not allowed during Fuikdag, and no permission is granted for playing music on rafts and/or stages. All boats must have an adequate number of life jackets on board according to the allowed number of passengers, as well as their ship documents. Safety items for signaling and whistles must also be on board. There will be inspections of vessels by the Port and Safety Inspection and the Coast Guard. Additionally, the Fire Department will conduct checks regarding lighting fires on board for BBQ purposes. Playing music is not allowed after 5 PM. Authorities will also check for gatherings after 5 PM at bays and other locations at sea.
It is not allowed to pick up and drop off individuals (hitchhiking or water taxi) to reach Fuik Bay. This measure is necessary because individuals who hitch a ride sometimes remain at Fuik Bay without the means to return to Caracas Bay. As a result, these individuals end up walking through the private property of Santa Barbara to get back to the city. All of this contributes to even more chaos and as such, it will not be tolerated. All boats from other countries must enter through Immigration and Customs for clearance. The Coast Guard, the Police Force, and other competent authorities responsible for public order will take enforcement action against those who do not comply with the mentioned measures during any disturbances.
Authorities present to monitor and assist during Fuikdag 2024 include the Coast Guard, Curaçao Police Force, Port and Safety Inspection, Fire Department, Customs, Santa Barbara Security, Red Cross, Fundashon Kuido Ambulance Curaçao, and Citro.