THE BOTTOM, Saba - Authorities on Saba have officially concluded the search for missing hiker Erik Matthijsen, who disappeared on May 13 while hiking in the Well’s Bay area.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Public Entity Saba said the decision to end the search was made in consultation with the crisis team after extensive efforts over the past week failed to locate Matthijsen.
Island Governor Jonathan Johnson described the decision as difficult and expressed sympathy to Matthijsen’s family, friends, and colleagues. “This is not the outcome that any of us have wished for,” Johnson stated, adding that authorities hope there will eventually be closure for those affected.
The Public Entity also asked the public to respect the privacy of Matthijsen’s loved ones during this period and urged anyone who may come across information related to his disappearance to contact the police immediately.
Authorities thanked the many organisations and volunteers involved in the operation, including the USAR.NL team, police and fire departments, the Saba Conservation Foundation, the Dutch Marines, the Ministry of Defense, the Wardakosta, and several Dutch ministries and local partners.
Wells Bay Area
Matthijsen was last seen in the Well’s Bay area on Wednesday, May 13.
