The Government of Aruba has taken the initiative to begin an exploratory study into the disappearance of fishermen at sea, as part of its plan to strengthen prevention and emergency response capacity at sea. The study is being conducted by the Safety Board (Onderzoeksraad voor Veiligheid) at the official request of the Government.
This initiative is part of a broader government effort to identify potential risks and prevent similar situations in the future, while also strengthening rescue mechanisms should such an incident occur.
Within this framework, Prime Minister Mike Eman, together with Minister of Tourism, Transport and Labor Wendrick Cicilia, advanced the process following a meeting with Secretary-General Robert Candelaria at the end of September in the Netherlands.
Regarding the focus on maritime safety, Minister Cicilia also emphasized preventive initiatives such as the implementation of FADs (Fishing Aggregating Devices).
“At the end of the week, two FADs were deployed at sea,” according to the minister. These structures are installed to attract fish, allowing fishermen to fish closer to shore and within Aruba’s territorial waters. This reduces the need to travel long distances or enter foreign waters, which consequently decreases risk and contributes to safer fishing practices.
The Safety Board will assess whether it is possible to conduct a broader investigation into structural safety risks related to these disappearances. The goal of such an investigation is to identify patterns, draw lessons, and contribute to improved safety in the future.
During the exploratory phase, dialogue will be held with various organizations and relevant individuals in Aruba, including representatives from the fishing sector and agencies involved in search and rescue operations. In this process, special attention will be given to the profound impact these disappearances have on families and the community.
According to the president of the Safety Board, Chris van Dam:
“We want to clearly understand what happened, what information is available, and which safety questions are most relevant. That is why we are starting with an exploratory study as a fact-finding mission. Based on the results, we will assess whether and how it is possible to continue with a broader investigation. The goal of the Safety Board is to learn. In this way, we aim to contribute to improving safety. We do not investigate to assign blame.”
With the start of this study, the investigative powers established under Kingdom law for the Safety Board will be applied, allowing it to conduct independent investigations within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
After completing the exploratory phase, the Safety Board will communicate its conclusions and whether it will proceed with a broader investigation.
