The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard detained one person after an early-morning report of unusual activity near Aruba’s refinery led to an air-and-sea response on September 26.
According to 24ora’s report on the refinery copper theft, the Coast Guard received the alert while a Metal Shark patrol boat was already operating nearby.
Dash-8 crew located two people
The Maritime Operations Center directed the patrol boat toward the refinery and requested support from a Coast Guard aircraft. A Dash-8 crew located two people and relayed their position to personnel on the water.
Coast Guard members detained one of the two people when they arrived. The second person escaped. The report said the pair had been taking different copper pipes from the area.
Police continue the investigation
The detained person was transferred to the Aruba Police Force, which is continuing the case. The source did not identify the person or disclose whether formal charges had been filed.
The Coast Guard thanked the community for reporting the activity and reminded people to call 913 when they see an emergency at sea or suspicious maritime activity.
