An Aruba fishing boat rescue involved the Coast Guard, CITRO and two vessels that developed technical problems off Westpunt, EA News reported.
Helicopter reaches boat without VHF radio
The Coast Guard’s Maritime Operations Center received a request for help on Thursday after the fishing boat Charnelle developed engine trouble with two local men aboard. The vessel had no VHF radio, so the men were communicating by cell phone.
Friends arrived aboard another fishing boat, Arca, but that vessel also developed technical trouble. The Coast Guard redirected its helicopter to winch the two men from Charnelle and sent CITRO, a Metal Shark vessel and Coast Guard aircraft to assist Arca.
Both vessels reach Playa Piskado
The helicopter delivered food and water to the people aboard Arca. They later restarted their engine and travelled toward Playa Piskado, while CITRO towed Charnelle there. The Coast Guard urged boaters to carry a marine VHF radio and essential safety equipment rather than relying only on mobile phones.
