ORANJESTAD – A week-long international search operation is underway after four fishermen from Aruba went missing at sea on Saturday, July 12. The men—Davey Croes, Jarred Croes, Aishell Tromp, and Marcelo Heyden—set off early that morning on a sport fishing trip but never returned. The case has since escalated into the largest maritime search effort ever conducted in the waters around Aruba, now extending into Colombian territory.
The Aruban Coast Guard received a report of the missing vessel just after midnight on July 13. Although the Coast Guard had been in contact with the fishermen by phone earlier that afternoon, the call was not identified as an emergency. The alert came only when they failed to return by nightfall as expected.
Expanding Search Efforts
The search area has now stretched over 320 kilometers offshore, prompting involvement from multiple international partners. The Dutch Navy, the Venezuelan Coast Guard, private aircraft operators, and Colombian authorities have all joined the effort. Colombia has authorized the use of a Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard aircraft to aid in the mission.
Since the search zone now lies entirely within Colombian waters, command of the operation has officially been transferred to the Colombian Coast Guard, confirmed spokesperson Miguel Gonzalez Perret-Gentil of the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard. Colombia is reportedly considering expanding the search area further on Friday with the deployment of an additional aircraft. Panama has also been placed on alert.
Families Plead for Peace and Accuracy
The families of the missing men have endured a harrowing week of uncertainty. Prayer gatherings have taken place across Aruba, and a wave of support continues to flood social media, with many holding onto hope for a safe return.
However, officials have had to refute false reports circulating online—such as claims that bodies had been found or that the missing boat was spotted. “These rumors only cause additional pain to the families,” stated the Coast Guard. Authorities urge the public to rely solely on official updates.
International Alert Issued
To aid the effort, Interpol has been engaged. The Aruban police have issued a Yellow Notice, an international alert asking law enforcement agencies around the world to assist in locating the missing fishermen.
As the search intensifies across national boundaries, Aruba remains united in prayer and determination to find the four men and bring them home.
