WILLEMSTAD - A 13-month prison sentence has been requested for a mother accused of endangering her child during an illegal attempt to enter Curaçao by boat. The three captains of the vessel face a demand for 15 months of imprisonment for their roles in the smuggling operation.
In early April, the Coast Guard intercepted a boat off eastern Curaçao carrying 13 passengers without valid documentation. Most of the passengers reportedly paid around $1,000 for the perilous journey. The overcrowded vessel, which had at least 15 people on board, including children, lacked life jackets for the passengers. Authorities also discovered barrels of drugs, two firearms, and a satellite phone during their investigation.
The case, described as human smuggling with minors involved, was presented in court on Wednesday. The prosecutor emphasized the reckless behavior of the smugglers, accusing them of endangering lives by transporting people under unsafe conditions.
The three captains are charged with human smuggling from Venezuela to Curaçao. Meanwhile, the mother, who is awaiting her trial in freedom, admitted to bringing her 13-year-old daughter on the journey due to "serious problems."
A verdict in the case is expected on December 11.