Simpson Bay:--- At last week Thursday's 'visitors day' at the Coast Guard Substation, Dutch navy divers and experts from St. Martin's emergency services deliberated on disaster relief and the added value of having diving professionals from the Dutch defense forces ready at hand.
"More than welcome", said Paul Martens, head of the disaster relief section of St. Martin. "These navy divers have special equipment that enable us to create an underwater picture we need after a hurricane strike." Edmond Johnson, manager maritime services responsible for St. Martin's lagoon and inner waters, acknowledges and adds "I am sure we will need these divers in the future. I remember Hurricane Luis and the invisible damage done to St. Martin under water. We definitely could have used these divers then."
Divers from the Royal Netherlands Forces Dive Group have been on exercise in St Martin since October 29, concentrating on disaster relief. Divers surveyed the Simpsons Bay Lagoon under water and were able to map out the shallow ends using 'acoustical hand camera'. A wreck in the approach to the Lagoon was also thoroughly examined.
Royal Netherlands Navy Press Release
