After a successful deployment in the Caribbean of 4 months, HNLMS Holland put into its home port of Den Helder, where the families, friends and colleagues of the crew had gathered on the quayside to welcome them home.
While on deployment, the ship was on duty as the Royal Netherlands Navy guard ship for the Caribbean. In addition to acting as a maritime presence, the ship’s most important task was the execution of counterdrugs operations. During the past few months, HNLMS Holland frequently carried out these operations, either for the navy or the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard.
Cocaine
During 3 operations, the patrol ship intercepted and confiscated 680 kilogrammes of cocaine, disrupted the smuggling of a further 3,200 kilogrammes of the drug and arrested 8 suspects, later handing them over to the authorities. A further 44 ships were checked for illegal migration, compliance with environmental and fishing legislation and general safety. HNLMS Holland also sprang into action on 2 occasions to assist a total of 5 seafarers in difficulties off the coasts of Curaçao and Aruba. During its deployment, HNLMS Holland covered a total of 22,000 nautical miles.
[mappress] Press Release, September 11, 2013; Image: Navy