WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Police Force (Korps Politie Curaçao) is investigating a possible case of human trafficking following a tragic shipwreck in which ten people were rescued and one woman lost her life. The boat, originating from Venezuela, capsized at sea, taking on water and leaving its passengers stranded in life-threatening conditions before being rescued in Curaçao’s territorial waters.
According to police reports, more than twenty people were originally on board, including two minors between the ages of 9 and 14. The vessel encountered serious mechanical issues during the journey, and only ten people survived. Authorities fear that the remaining passengers, including the two children, may have perished at sea.
Piracy Suspected
Unconfirmed reports suggest that piracy may have played a role in the tragedy. Sources claim that unknown individuals stole the boat’s engines, leaving it adrift and vulnerable before it ultimately capsized.
This incident is part of a broader crisis. In recent years, economic and social hardships in Venezuela have forced many to undertake dangerous, illegal voyages to nearby islands in fragile boats. These perilous journeys often end in disaster, resulting in frequent shipwrecks and tragic losses of life.
Investigation and Call for Witnesses
The survivors have been transported to the Curaçao Medical Center for medical treatment. Some remain hospitalized, while others have been placed in immigration detention. Authorities are now focusing on determining the exact number of passengers and identifying those responsible for organizing the illegal voyage, which may be linked to human smuggling.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office and the police are urging the Venezuelan community and anyone with relevant information to come forward. Witnesses can contact authorities via 917 or 674-0173. Any tip could be crucial in holding those responsible accountable.