The 2001 Aruba rescue involving Ruben and Greg Croes is being recognised 25 years later, according to an October 18 report by 24ora. The current recognition concerns their role in locating two pilots after an aircraft went down at sea; it is not a report of a new crash.
Search recalled after 25 years
24ora dates the accident to July 26, 2001, about six miles off Aruba. In the account attributed to Greg Croes, an Avair Embraer 110 reported an emergency while losing altitude. Greg contacted Ruben, who changed his family travel plans and made his aircraft available for the search.
The report says they flew repeated circuits in limited visibility before locating the two occupants, Nacho Luzardo and Franco Bellarosa.
Survivors express their gratitude
24ora reports renewed thanks from the survivors. Ruben said Alejandro Torres had taken the initiative to give the rescuers an aircraft as a gesture of appreciation. The report does not specify a date for that gesture.
Encouragement for future volunteers
Ruben, described in the report as 68 and still active in rescue work, encouraged young people to volunteer. Greg expressed the hope that aerial Search and Rescue operations would be reactivated in Aruba. Their comments stress preparation and cooperation; they do not announce that a service has resumed.
Source: 24ora’s October 18 report.
