WILLEMSTAD – Jacob Tas, director of the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM), paid an official visit on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, to the Governor of Curaçao, His Excellency Mauritsz de Kort, as part of activities surrounding the 50th anniversary of the Citizens Rescue Organisation of Curaçao (CITRO).
KNRM is the Netherlands’ maritime rescue organization and operates entirely through volunteers.
Tas was accompanied during the visit by KNRM inspector Walter Schol, CITRO chairwoman Eunice Saleh, and CITRO Operations board member Jovino Falbru.
The meeting focused on the long-standing cooperation between KNRM and CITRO and highlighted their joint efforts to strengthen maritime safety and rescue capacity in Curaçao and the wider region.
During the discussions, the KNRM director informed Governor De Kort about the ongoing collaboration between both organizations and the importance of continued investment in maritime rescue operations and emergency response capabilities.
One of the key elements of the partnership is the opportunity for CITRO volunteers to participate in specialized training programs and courses with KNRM in the Netherlands.
According to the organizations, these exchanges contribute to further knowledge development and help strengthen practical skills related to rescue operations and maritime emergency assistance.
The visit also served as recognition of CITRO’s five decades of service to Curaçao through volunteer-based rescue and emergency response operations.