The vessel, named “Prinses Catharina-Amalia”, was handed over to Island Governor Jonathan Johnson by Ms. Gijsbers, Director General of Aviation and Maritime Affairs at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. Ms. Gijsbers wished the boat and its crew happy sailing and fair winds.
Governor of Statia, Alida Francis, simultaneously received the Search and Rescue boat that was built for Statia. Both are expected to arrive on Saba and Statia in November.
For the ceremony, Saba’s Head of Public Order and Safety, Walle Bos, and Statia’s Crisis Manager André Bennett were also present. Others in attendance included Manager Aviation and Regional Airports, Marjan van Giezen, Strategic Advisor Aviation Security, Marius Sliedrecht, and SAR project leader, Hans Schreuder.
The naming of the vessel after Her Royal Highness Princess Catharina-Amalia, follows Saba’s tradition of recognizing the Dutch Royal Family in meaningful ways. This includes naming the Queen Beatrix vessel operated by the Saba Conservation Foundation, the Queen Wilhelmina Park, and the Princess Juliana Sports Field.
Governor Johnson thanked the Ministry of I&W for its contributions and commitment in supporting this project.
The SAR boat transfer is a key milestone in a broader joint project between Saba, Statia, and the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, supported by multi-year funding and the establishment of the Saba Statia Search and Rescue Foundation. The foundation was formed to provide long-term operational stability and enhance marine emergency response capabilities on both islands.
Following the official handover, both Governor Johnson and Governor Francis had an opportunity for a trial run that reflects both islands’ readiness to bring their SAR boats into active service.
Public Entity Saba thanks the Ministry of Defense for it's contributions for their continued support and collaboration. With the addition of Princess Catharina-Amalia, Saba is now better equipped to respond to maritime emergencies and collaborate regionally in rescue operations, thereby reinforcing safety, security, and resilience for the island's people.
More updates and details are set to come in the following months.
