𝐒𝐀𝐑 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐛𝐚

The Search and Rescue (SAR) boats for Statia and Saba arrived on Friday, October 24, marking an important step in improving maritime safety for both islands.

The boats were transported across the Atlantic by the Royal Netherlands Navy using its newest Combat Support Ship, Zr.Ms. Den Helder. Hans Schreuder, Director of the Saba Statia Search and Rescue Foundation, thanked the Ministry of Defence for making this possible.

He also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW) for its long-term support, which made the purchase of the boats and the development of a professional management structure possible.

Follow-up training sessions for the volunteer crew members will take place in November on both islands. Once training is complete, the SAR boats will become fully operational, supported by proper facilities to ensure they are well maintained and ready for use.