Draken AW139 Crews Conduct Evacuation From Curacao


Following several reported Coronavirus cases in Curacao, flights from Europe were halted in March and the Island effectively locked down. Despite these circumstances the dedicated Draken AW139 crews working on behalf of the Dutch Caribbean Coastguard continued delivering their valuable services to the region.

On 18 March, the team successfully evacuated a crew member from a U.S. Coast Guard vessel, positioned over 150 nautical miles north of Curacao. The patient had displayed symptoms of a heart-attack which required immediate attention. The Draken helicopter arrived on scene and the crewmember was hoisted from the vessel, and safely transported him to an awaiting emergency medical team in Willemstad. Following the incident, the team received a letter of thanks from U.S. Coast Guard Commander, Rear Admiral Eric C. Jones.