WILLEMSTAD:---In a crash with an NH90 maritime attack helicopter, 2 of the 4 crew members were killed. These are 34-year-old aviator Christine Martens and 33-year-old tactical coordinator Erwin Warnies. Both soldiers have the rank of lieutenant at sea in the 2nd class oldest category. The helicopter hit the water in the Caribbean Sea near Aruba at the end of a coastguard patrol on Sunday.
Commander of the Armed Forces Lieutenant Admiral Rob Bauer announced this during a press conference in The Hague. The families of the killed soldiers had already been informed by Defense at that time.
The 2 other crew members have no serious physical injuries.
The NH90 is part of the patrol vessel Zr.Ms. Groningen. A Coast Guard Helicopter and Defense Dive Team Support Zr.Ms. Groningen to secure the NH90. The flight recorder (black box) in particular has priority.
It is expected that the Defense Security Inspectorate will conduct an investigation.
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