A specialised search and rescue team from the Netherlands has been deployed to Saba as efforts intensify to locate missing hiker Erik Matthijsen, four days after he was last seen.

Authorities confirmed that a team from Urban Search and Rescue Netherlands (USAR.NL) arrived on the island on May 17 to support ongoing operations in the rugged Well’s Bay area, where Matthijsen reportedly went hiking.

The first USAR unit, accompanied by search dogs, was deployed into the field later that afternoon, working alongside experienced local guides from the Saba Conservation Foundation.

Matthijsen, who is also a member of USAR.NL, had travelled to Saba as part of the Mount Scenery Tower project.

However, officials said the nature of the operation has now shifted.

Following a meeting of the island’s crisis team, authorities confirmed that the search has moved from a rescue to a recovery mission, given the length of time since Matthijsen was last seen.

The change indicates that the chances of finding him alive are now considered unlikely.

USAR.NL is a specialised emergency response unit that provides international assistance on behalf of the Netherlands in cases involving missing persons and major disasters worldwide.

Search operations are expected to continue with the added support of the Dutch team and canine units.