WILLEMSTAD - The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (DCCG) has commissioned four 38 ft Defiant-class patrol boats in the DCCG's Station Aruba.

The vessels, which were constructed by US shipbuilder Metal Shark, will be used to patrol the waters around the Dutch islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, St Eustatius, St Maarten, and Saba.

Louisiana-based Metal Shark was hired to manufacture a total of 12 boats for the DCCG. The first four vessels, also 38 ft Defiant class, were delivered in May 2018. According to the shipbuilder, the final four vessels of the contract are currently en route to St Maarten.

The vessels will enhance patrols in Dutch Caribbean waters, which in recent years have faced challenges such the growing tide of migrants from Venezuela.