WILLEMSTAD – A man died on Saturday, August 1, after being struck by the propeller of his own boat near the entrance of Fuik Bay. The accident occurred after the vessel ran aground and the owner attempted to push the boat back into deeper water.
According to the Coast Guard, a report was received from a person aboard a vessel near Fuik Bay indicating that a boat had become stuck at the entrance of the bay. The owner of the vessel, a man, stepped into the water to try to move the boat back afloat.
During that attempt, he was hit by the boat’s propeller. The victim suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.
Following the emergency call, the Coast Guard alerted CITRO, a volunteer organization that works closely with the Coast Guard. CITRO immediately responded and transported the victim’s body to the Caracasbaai fishing harbor, where the Curaçao Police Force took over the further investigation and handling of the incident.
The vessel involved in the accident sank near the entrance of Fuik Bay. Authorities reported that the boat does not pose a danger to maritime traffic.
The Coast Guard expressed its condolences to the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time.