CURACAO – The Maritime Operations Centre (MOC) of the Coast Guard Caribbean Region received a report on Thursday evening of a possible distress flare near Sta. Cruz, Curaçao. The MOC dispatched a Coast Guard aircraft to the area to investigate.
On arrival, the crew observed a vessel with a man on board waving for help. Once the vessel was located, the MOC sent a Metal Shark to assist. The Metal Shark safely towed the vessel and the local man to Sta. Cruz.
In this case, the flare proved essential. It allowed the man to attract attention and make clear that he was in distress when other means of communication were unavailable. A flare can be an important way to alert people, emergency services, or other vessels in such situations.
The Coast Guard advises all boat owners to maintain their vessels regularly and to carry adequate safety and rescue equipment, including life jackets, flares, binoculars, a first aid kit, sufficient water, a fire extinguisher, a VHF radio, and a charged mobile phone.
Proper preparation can help prevent problems and dangerous situations at sea. If assistance is needed, contact the Coast Guard on VHF channel 16, call the emergency number 913, or send a message via WhatsApp to +5999 510 0913.
The Coast Guard wishes everyone a pleasant and safe trip.
