WILLEMSTAD - The Coast Guard, together with the Defense organization will continue to patrol intensively around the islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. The extensive border surveillance was mainly used to prevent the landings of undocumented migrants who may be infected with the coronavirus. These possible COVID-19 sources can be a major threat to the population of the islands if they arrive ashore uncontrolled.

It is well known that the boats used by the people for the crossing are in poor condition. The Caribbean Sea is very rough and unpredictable and too many people are usually transported onboard these small vessels with all the risks that this entails. In the past, but also recently, various family members have lost their loved ones during these trips with unworthy lanchas. The Coast Guard, therefore, warns people not to embark on such a trip.

The radar systems are operating at full speed and the sailing and flying units of the Coast Guard and Defense are all deployed to ensure a better grip on maritime borders. All patrols of the Metal Sharks receive support from the Caribbean militia enable surveillance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The extensive patrolling also guards the borders against illegal drug transport, illegal migration, human trafficking and firearms smuggling.