The vessels were transferred on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management by Ms Gijsbers, Director-General of Aviation and Maritime Affairs. The event represents a significant milestone in strengthening marine emergency response in the Caribbean Netherlands.
Island Governor Alida Francis of St Eustatius received the vessel Nora, named after the late Leonora Sneek-Gibbs, a beloved Statian pioneer and community leader. The name was chosen through a public contest, reflecting the deep local appreciation for Mrs Sneek-Gibbs’ lifelong service to the island. The vessel symbolises both Statia’s resilience and its commitment to honouring local heritage.
Simultaneously, Governor Jonathan Johnson of Saba accepted his island’s SAR vessel, named Prinses Catharina-Amalia, continuing Saba’s long-standing tradition of recognising the Dutch Royal Family through public institutions.
Both vessels are expected to arrive in Statia and Saba in November 2025, where they will be incorporated into local emergency response operations.
Also present at the ceremony were Crisis Manager André Bennett (Statia), Head of Public Order and Safety Walle Bos (Saba), Manager of Aviation and Regional Airports Marjan van Giezen, Strategic Aviation Security Adviser Marius Sliedrecht, and SAR Project Leader Hans Schreuder.
The SAR vessel handover forms part of a broader joint project between the islands and the Ministry, supported by multi-year funding and the establishment of the Saba Statia Search and Rescue Foundation. This foundation will provide long-term operational support and enhance emergency coordination across the islands.
Following the official handover, both Island Governor Francis and Island Governor Johnson participated in a trial run of the vessel — an experience that underscores the islands’ preparedness and shared vision for a safer maritime future.
The Public Entities St Eustatius and Saba express their sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and the Ministry of Defence for their continued support and collaboration.
