Authorities call off search for missing Dutch hiker on Saba

Authorities on the Caribbean island of Saba have called off the search for missing Dutch hiker Erik Matthijsen, who disappeared on May 13 after failing to return from a hike. The 53-year-old medic, an experienced walker working on a communications tower replacement project, was not found despite eight days of rescue efforts. Island governor Jonathan Johnson expressed sympathy for Matthijsen's family and friends, stating that while the search is concluded, he hopes for eventual closure.

Authorities call off search for missing Dutch hiker on Saba See more DutchNews articles in your Google search results See more DutchNews articles in your Google search results Add as a favourite source on Google Add DutchNews as a favourite source on GoogleLocal authorities on the Caribbean island of Saba have called off the search for missing hiker Erik Matthijsen, island governor Jonathan Johnson has said in a statement. Matthijssen 53 , a medic with a team of the contractors hired by the defence ministry to replace the island’s communications tower, was reported missing on May 13 when he failed to return from a hike. Efforts by rescue teams over the next eight days failed to locate Matthijssen, who reportedly was an experienced walker. “This is not the outcome that any of us have wished for,” governor Jonathan Johnson said. “Our thoughts and sympathy remain with Erik’s family, friends and colleagues and all those who know him. While the search as of today is concluded, we hope that in due time, there will be a final closure to this tragedy,” he said. Former Dutch colony Saba is a special municipality of the Netherlands and is governed by an island authority and the Dutch central government. Thank you for donating to DutchNews.nl. We could not provide the Dutch News service, and keep it free of charge, without the generous support of our readers. Your donations allow us to report on issues you tell us matter, and provide you with a summary of the most important Dutch news each day. Make a donation