Dutch Naval Response to Caribbean Crisis
The Royal Netherlands Navy has deployed its logistics support vessel HNLMS Pelikaan to deliver critical emergency aid to Jamaica following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. The Category 5 storm, which made direct landfall on October 29, 2025, has left a trail of destruction across the Caribbean island, claiming at least 19 lives and causing catastrophic damage to infrastructure.
Humanitarian Mission Underway
The Dutch naval ship departed from its home port in Curaçao on Wednesday morning, loaded with essential supplies including food, medical equipment, and emergency shelters. The deployment comes at the formal request of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), highlighting the international cooperation in disaster response efforts.
'The Pelikaan is exceptionally suited for this mission due to its onboard crane and large cargo capacity,' stated a Defense Ministry spokesperson. 'Providing assistance is one of the three main tasks of the Dutch Ministry of Defense in the Caribbean region.'
The vessel is making an initial stop in Barbados to collect additional relief supplies before continuing toward Jamaica, with arrival expected mid-next week. The mission underscores Curaçao's strategic role as a regional hub for disaster response and coordination within the Dutch Kingdom's humanitarian framework.
Catastrophic Damage in Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa, with winds reaching 185 mph, inflicted unprecedented damage across Jamaica. The coastal town of Black River in St. Elizabeth Parish suffered the most severe impact, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness describing the area as 'ground zero' for the disaster. Approximately 90% of structures in this region lost their roofs, and emergency services reported being immobilized in some areas due to blocked roads and damaged infrastructure.
The storm's impact has been particularly devastating to critical infrastructure. Nearly 500,000 residents - representing 72% of utility customers - lost power, while the only public hospital in St. Elizabeth lost its roof and required emergency evacuation. Dozens of roads remain impassable due to fallen trees and debris, complicating rescue and recovery efforts.
Tourist Evacuation Efforts
Meanwhile, European tour operator TUI has initiated evacuation procedures for Dutch tourists stranded in Jamaica. The company confirmed it is sending a plane with 305 seats to repatriate at least 82 Dutch travelers, including both package holiday customers and those who booked flights exclusively through TUI.
'We are working around the clock to ensure the safe return of all our customers affected by this devastating hurricane,' a TUI representative told reporters. The evacuation comes as major airports in Jamaica continue to experience severe disruptions, with Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay remaining closed due to storm damage.
Regional Impact and Response
The hurricane's devastation extends beyond Jamaica, with neighboring countries also suffering significant impacts. In Haiti, at least 25 people died due to flooding and landslides, while Cuban authorities evacuated approximately 700,000 people ahead of the storm's arrival. While Cuba reported no fatalities or missing persons, the damage to infrastructure has been substantial.
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported that no Dutch citizens in Jamaica have contacted them for assistance, suggesting that most tourists are being adequately cared for through commercial evacuation efforts and local emergency services.
As recovery efforts continue, the international community is mobilizing support for the affected Caribbean nations. The Dutch naval mission represents a crucial component of this broader humanitarian response, demonstrating the importance of regional cooperation in addressing natural disasters of this magnitude.
Sources: Curacao Chronicle, ABC News, NL Times