THE BOTTOM, Saba – The Public Entity Saba has strongly condemned false information circulating online regarding the disappearance of Dutch hiker Erik Matthijsen, warning the public against relying on sensationalized reports published by several questionable online “news” platforms.
In a public notice issued Saturday, the island government stated that recent articles claiming that “new information” had emerged in the case are “completely fake.” Authorities urged residents and the wider public to rely only on official communication channels, including the Public Entity Saba’s Facebook page, WhatsApp channel and website, for verified information regarding the ongoing case.
The warning follows the appearance of multiple clickbait-style articles on Dutch-language websites that appeared to suggest breakthroughs or new developments surrounding Matthijsen’s disappearance, despite no official confirmation being issued.
The online reports also triggered criticism from residents on social media, where several commenters described the publications as disrespectful, misleading and harmful to both the family of the missing hiker and the Saba community.
Frustration
Local reactions reflected frustration that sensationalized content was being used to attract online attention and clicks while an active missing person case remains unresolved.
The Public Entity emphasized that any genuine updates concerning the search or investigation will be communicated through official channels only.
