The Poema: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On December 14, 2021, the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard sprang into action following an urgent distress call reporting engine troubles aboard a yacht situated between Saba and St. Maarten. Initially believed to have only two occupants, the situation escalated as the vessel began to drift dangerously in the open sea. The Dutch Caribbean Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC), in collaboration with its counterparts in Martinique, promptly initiated a rescue operation. Responding swiftly, the Coast Guard deployed the vessel 'Poema' to the troubled location. Upon arrival, the crew discovered that the yacht was being towed by a smaller auxiliary boat that had already stepped in to provide initial assistance. The 'Poema' took over the tow, ensuring the distressed yacht and its passengers were safely guided towards St. Maarten. Upon further assessment, it was revealed that the yacht harbored 27 individuals, believed to be migrants, in addition to the captain, all of whom were onboard without any lifesaving equipment. Once back on solid ground, the group was transferred to the care of the St. Maarten Police Force and the Immigration Department for further inquiries. For more details and photos, readers can view the full report at The Daily Herald.