PHILIPSBURG – The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard rescued a fishing vessel that was drifting at sea without fuel and towed it safely to Sint Maarten. Both people on board were reported to be in good health.
The fishing vessel had transmitted several mayday distress calls over VHF Channel 16. Authorities were initially unable to establish direct contact with the crew, while the vessel’s exact position was also unknown.
Family members of the captain subsequently went out by boat to search for the vessel but were unable to locate it.
The fishing boat was eventually spotted by a tanker. Although the tanker was unable to tow the vessel, its crew provided the location to the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Fort-de-France, Martinique.
The information showed that the fishing vessel was approximately 9.5 nautical miles southwest of Sint Maarten. The rescue coordination center in Martinique then contacted the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard for assistance.
A Coast Guard Metal Shark patrol boat was dispatched to the location and successfully reached the stranded vessel. The fishing boat was then taken under tow and brought to the Coast Guard pier in Sint Maarten.
Both occupants arrived safely and were in good health.