ORANJESTAD – The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard assisted a charter boat carrying five people Monday morning after the vessel began taking on water in waters near Aruba.
According to the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard, the vessel sent out a distress call through VHF channel 16 to the Maritime Operations Center after the crew discovered water entering the boat.
Following the emergency call, the Coast Guard immediately deployed a helicopter to monitor the situation from the air. Two Metal Shark patrol units were also dispatched from Savaneta toward the vessel’s location.
Several fishing boats operating nearby reportedly heard the distress call as well and quickly moved in to assist.
Working together, the Coast Guard units and nearby vessels managed to safely escort the charter boat to the dock at Renaissance Marina.
No injuries were reported during the incident.