Authorities on the Caribbean island of Saba have officially ended the search for missing hiker Erik Matthijsen after a week of intensive operations involving local, regional and Dutch emergency response teams.

Saba Island Governor Jonathan Johnson made the announcement on the evening of May 21, describing the decision as a difficult one following extensive search efforts across the island’s rugged terrain.

“For the past week, several teams have worked tirelessly to coordinate and carry out our search for Mr Erik Matthijsen, who went missing while hiking on Wednesday, May 13,” Johnson said in a video statement.

“Despite extensive efforts, he has not been found.”

Johnson said the decision to conclude the search was made in consultation with the island’s crisis team after multiple agencies conducted large-scale land, aerial and coastal operations.

According to the governor, authorities utilised drones, search dogs and other specialised technologies during the operation.

“This decision follows a full week of intensive and large-scale searches, covering a broad area and at times through extremely rugged terrain,” he said.

Johnson expressed sympathy to Matthijsen’s family, friends and colleagues, while acknowledging the emotional toll on the wider community.

“This is not the outcome that any of us had wished for,” he said.

“Our thoughts and sympathy remain with Erik’s family, his friends and colleagues, and all those who know him.”

The governor thanked the numerous organisations and volunteers involved in the operation, including emergency personnel from Saba, St Martin, the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard, Dutch Marines, the Ministry of Defence and several crisis management agencies from the Netherlands.

He also thanked local volunteers, private contractors and members of the public who assisted in the search effort.

“While the search as of today is concluded, we hope that in due time there will be a final closure to this tragedy,” Johnson said.