WILLEMSTAD – The Caribbean Coast Guard is warning residents, boaters, and watersports enthusiasts to exercise extreme caution due to strong winds and rough sea conditions affecting Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao in recent days.
According to the Coast Guard, the combination of powerful winds, high waves, and strong sea currents has created dangerous conditions on the water throughout the Dutch Caribbean.
Authorities are advising the public to avoid going out to sea or swimming unless absolutely necessary.
Boat owners are also being urged to thoroughly inspect their vessels and ensure they carry adequate safety equipment before departing.
The Coast Guard further recommends that anyone heading out on the water always inform someone on land about their planned route and expected return time.
The warning comes after the Coast Guard carried out two rescue operations last week linked to the hazardous sea conditions.
One of the incidents involved the yacht Alexia, which sank while traveling to Klein Curaçao after taking on water near Oostpunt. All 19 people on board were safely rescued by nearby boats and emergency services before the vessel eventually sank to the bottom of the sea.
The Coast Guard emphasized that personal safety must remain the top priority.
“Your own safety and that of the people around you is the most important thing,” the Caribbean Coast Guard stated.
The dangerous weather conditions are related to unusually strong trade winds currently affecting the Caribbean region, which have also prompted several marine warnings from the Meteorological Service Curaçao in recent weeks.