PHILIPSBURG–A suspected go-fast boat was intercepted in a joint action of the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard, the Gendarmerie and French Customs on Sunday. The vessel was first detected Northwest of St. Maarten by the Coast Guard’s Dash-8 maritime patrol aircraft.
The station ship Zr. Ms. Holland that is currently performing Coast Guard duties in the Caribbean positioned itself for an interception with its fast FRISC, according to a release from the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard.
After a rapid and long pursuit by the FRISC, the go-fast fled through the territorial waters of Anguilla to French St. Martin. There it was met by the alerted Super RHIB from the Coast Guard substation in St. Maarten.
After a brief interaction on the water the go-fast saw a chance to escape to Simpson Bay. A few minutes later the vessel was found empty by the FRISC interceptor, the occupants having escaped in a vehicle standing by ready. Crew of the Super RHIB and FRISC provided assistance on the spot at the request of the Gendarmerie and Customs.
The matter is under investigation by French authorities. However, French Customs declined to give any information yesterday on the pursuit and the Gendarmerie indicated it had been acting as standby on the ground.
DAILY HERALD