THE BOTTOM – Emergency services on Saba have launched a large-scale search operation for missing hiker Erik Matthijsen. The man was last seen on Wednesday around eleven o’clock in the morning while hiking in the Wells Bay area and has not returned since.
According to authorities, Matthijsen is a visitor to the island and is part of the team working on the Mount Scenery Tower project. He is in his fifties and is known to be an active hiker.
On Wednesday evening, a drone equipped with a thermal imaging camera was deployed with assistance from Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF). Attempts were also made to trace his phone signal. As of six-thirty Thursday morning, Matthijsen had not been found.
The search operation involves teams from SCF, the Coast Guard and HANAB, which is involved in the Mount Scenery Tower project. Additional support is being provided by a helicopter from a contractor currently on the island for the project.
Public urged to stay off trails
Authorities are urging residents and visitors not to conduct their own search for the missing hiker. The public is also asked to stay away from the trails at Ladder Bay, Middle Island, North Coast and All Too Far to avoid hindering search efforts.
Anyone who may have seen Matthijsen on Wednesday or has information about his whereabouts is asked to contact emergency services via 911 immediately.
