WILLEMSTAD – On the morning of Sunday, March 16, the Maritime Operations Center of the Coast Guard in Curaçao received an emergency call about two fishermen in distress near Caracas Bay.
According to the report, the two local fishermen ended up in the water after their boat capsized. A distress call was immediately broadcast to all nearby vessels, urging them to assist in the rescue.
A vessel from Ocean Encounters, which was in the vicinity, managed to pull both fishermen out of the water. Resuscitation efforts were immediately initiated for one of them.
At the same time, the volunteer rescue organization CITRO was alerted. One of CITRO's vessels, which was assisting with the Open Water Swim event nearby, arrived within minutes to provide additional support.
CPR efforts continued on board both the Ocean Encounters and CITRO vessels. It was then decided to transport the distressed fisherman to the Caracas Bay fishing harbor using the CITRO vessel, where a Red Cross ambulance was on standby. Upon arrival, the fisherman was transferred to the ambulance personnel for urgent medical attention.
However, the Curaçao Police Force later informed the Coast Guard that the fisherman had passed away while being transported to the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC).
Authorities extend their deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time.