WILLEMSTAD – The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard launched a rescue operation on Saturday afternoon after two Dutch tourists became lost while hiking in the rugged terrain near Sint Willibrordus in the Bándabou region of Curaçao.
According to the Coast Guard, the Maritime Operations Center received a report through the Curaçao Police Force (KPC) regarding the missing man and woman. The pair had gone hiking in the area but lost their way and were unable to find their way back on their own.
The tourists managed to contact the police by phone, providing their location and requesting assistance.
Police officers were immediately dispatched to the area in an attempt to reach the hikers. However, the difficult and inaccessible terrain prevented officers from safely reaching their location.
With darkness approaching, authorities decided to deploy the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard helicopter. Personnel stationed at Hato were immediately alerted and prepared for departure to the Bándabou area to assist in the rescue operation.
Further details on the outcome of the rescue have not yet been released.