Authorities call off search for missing Dutch hiker on Saba

Local authorities on the Caribbean island of Saba have called off the search for missing hiker Erik Matthijsen, island governor Jonathan Johnson has said in a statement.

Matthijssen (53), a medic with a team of the contractors hired by the defence ministry to replace the island’s communications tower, was reported missing on May 13 when he failed to return from a hike.

Efforts by rescue teams over the next eight days failed to locate Matthijssen, who reportedly was an experienced walker.

“This is not the outcome that any of us have wished for,” governor Jonathan Johnson said. “Our thoughts and sympathy remain with Erik’s family, friends and colleagues and all those who know him. While the search as of today is concluded, we hope that in due time, there will be a final closure to this tragedy,” he said.

Former Dutch colony Saba is a special municipality of the Netherlands and is governed by an island authority and the Dutch central government.