WILLEMSTAD - The Caribbean Coast Guard conducted a dramatic rescue yesterday after receiving a distress call about a catamaran in trouble, approximately 150 miles northwest of Aruba. The vessel, carrying four crew members, was sinking, forcing those onboard to abandon ship and seek refuge on a life raft.
The Coast Guard's Maritime Operations Center (MOC) immediately deployed a patrol aircraft to locate the scene and assess the situation. Upon arrival, the crew aboard the Dash aircraft spotted the four individuals adrift on a life raft, while their catamaran, named Second Wind, was rapidly sinking.
A Coast Guard helicopter was dispatched to the location to carry out the rescue operation. Meanwhile, the patrol aircraft remained on site to monitor the life raft and provide support until the helicopter arrived.
Once on the scene, the helicopter crew hoisted the four men from the life raft and transported them safely to Curaçao. Upon arrival, the rescued individuals were handed over to the immigration authorities, ensuring their safe return home.
In response to the incident, the MOC issued a NAVTEX alert to nearby vessels, warning them about the sunken catamaran to prevent potential hazards at sea.
