Royal Netherlands Navy supply ship deploys to Caribbean for COVID-19 relief support

The Royal Netherlands Navy fleet supply ship HNLMS Karel Doorman has set sail for the Dutch Caribbean islands to provide assistance to local authorities in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dutch Ministry of Defence said on Sunday, April 12.

Karel Doorman is transporting two landing craft, two helicopters, an assortment of wheeled vehicles, and stores including food and drinking water that will be distributed to Dutch Caribbean residents in affected communities.

Should the need arise, the ship also has an onboard medical staff and facilities for treating non-COVID-19 patients as well as an embarked unit of Korps Mariniers naval infantry to assist in maintaining public order.

Upon arriving in the Caribbean, Karel Doorman will also conduct maritime border surveillance and patrols in cooperation with local maritime security forces.