PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten Sea Rescue Foundation recently received a donation from the Representation of The Netherlands in Philipsburg, to assist with attendance at the Mass Rescue Conference, in Sweden.

The conference is organised by the International Maritime Rescue Federation. It will focus on the organisation and execution of large-scale rescue operations, in case of major disasters at sea.

Representative of The Netherlands in Philipsburg Marsie Jonkers presented the cheque to Sea Rescue Foundation Secretary Serge Bakker.

The foundation had also recently received a US $2,500 donation from St. Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA) to assist its continued rescue operations. The funds were raised from a silent auction held during Spotlight St. Maarten's V.I.P Event, featuring Orange Grove and G Love, at Yacht Club Isle de Sol.

SMMTA had commended Sea Rescue for providing "a very valuable, necessary service" to sailors and passengers, who find themselves in danger in our surrounding waters. "Sea Rescue has saved many people and even animals from life-threatening situations, on a voluntary basis, and therefore the SMMTA feels it is of the utmost importance to support them," said SMMTA President Brian Deher.

Established in 1982, Sea Rescue Foundation provides rescue services for vessels off the coast of St. Maarten. It is a volunteer organisation and is able to carry out its operations only with support of organisations and individuals and the dedication of volunteers. It has 14 active members, who operate its two rescue vessels in just about any sea and weather conditions.