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local Monday 14 august 2023

Don’t forget to visit Aruba’s famous Red Anchor

At the south east coast of On the anchor there are they did not get the time to
the island, standing alone some numbers. The 4112 walk out the extra tackles
on a windswept and bar- and 4115, which are be- and because of the ten-
ren land stands a popular lieved to be the serial num- sion exerted on the winch,
Aruba landmark – a large bers that refer to the “fluke” it broke, and they lost the
anchor. It overlooks the or horizontal and vertical anchor and its chain.“
sea just beyond, watching parts of the anchor, respec-
over the shipping lanes. It tively. The number 21772K Story 2:
stands there in memory refers to the weight of the “Mr. Curiel also said that
and in honor of all seamen anchor in kilos. at one time a small tanker
who have lost their life at This type of anchor was with a Korean crew, while
sea. manufactured by Hoesch lifting their anchor also lift-
Dortmund Horde, at a ed another anchor near
Where to Find the Anchor? foundry located in Germa- the inner harbor. When the
The anchor is a “must see” ny. ship asked for assistance,
landmark when you visit he went with his tugboat
Aruba. It is among the most Where did the Anchor along with a barge, to help.
photographed historical Come From? But eventually they had to The Red Anchor situated at the entrance of former Lago Colony
in San Nicolas
landmarks for the island. There are a number of sto- cut the chain and let the
You want to make sure you ries as to the origins of the anchor go to the bottom dent of Lago for permission ceremony in memory of
add this stop on your itiner- anchor, which one do you because they could not to acquire the anchor. He Charles Brouns Jr.
ary when your visiting the think it was? (Unfortunately untangle them. ” was granted permission
south coast of Aruba. The the mystery has never been and the anchor was then Today, the anchor stands
bright red anchor against solved, so your imagination How Did The Anchor Be- relocated to its present lo- both as memorial to all
the backdrop of the deep can pick which one you come a Landmark? cation and dedicated “To seaman who have lost their
blue Caribbean sea and think it might be!) Sometime between 1980 All Seamen” on the occa- lives at sea, but also as a
the azure blue skies, make and 1985, three gentlemen sion of the closing of the silent reminder that Seroe
a great backdrop for your Story 1: (Mr. Wim Martinus – the Lago Oil Refinery on March Colorado is part of San
vacation pictures. “According to Mr. Man- Harbormaster of Aruba; 31, 1985. Nicolas and that San Nico-
uel M. Curiel, an ex-Lago Mr. August Genser – the las is still a vibrant and im-
The anchor is located at Tug Captain, a fully laden ex-Division Superintendent Through the Years portant part of the island of
the entrance to Gate 6 to VLCC (Very Large Crude of Lago’s Laboratory; and Through the years the An- Aruba.
the former Lago Colony. It Carrier) was seeking a Mr. Willie Davis – Owner chor was slowly weather-
is on the outskirts of Seroe mooring at the 15-mile an- of Filtec at Zeewijk in San ing from the wind and salt. The Best Time to Visit
Colorado, on the south chorage, known as Bara, Nicolas), were having a As time passed, sadly the When your planning your
east point of the island at on the southern part of the conversation with Mr. Char- origin and purpose of the visit to the south end of the
the “T” junction to Baby island. This is the usual shal- lie Brouns Jr. at his famous anchor slowly faded away island, you will want to in-
Beach. low mooring location for Charlie’s Bar and Restau- from people’s memories. clude in your itinerary the
Depending on where you ships awaiting orders, etc. rant in San Nicolas. Charlie, many things to see and
are staying on the island, The weather was rough who was a visionary and After Charles Brouns Jr died do there. The anchor will
follow the signs that in- with strong current. The had dreams for develop- on September 15, 2004, his be just one of these stops,
dicate the way to Baby normal procedure is that ing the San Nicolas area, friend Mr. Sam Speziale, (keep an eye out for our fu-
Beach. Once you reach they would walk out three told these gentlemen that requested assistance from ture editions, we publish our
the T-junction, it will be right shackles (about 90 feet) he would like to come up the management of Vale- recommendations!).
in front of you. until the anchor touches with something innovative ro Aruba Refinery to help
the bottom while the chain for the San Nicolas area to maintain the monument. With that being said, I have
About the Anchor must rest on the bottom. draw tourism to the area. The Valero Aruba Refinery, to say, if you enjoy catch-
Size Subsequently, they will graciously sandblasted ing a sunrise, the anchor is
It will be hard to miss the walk out some extra shack- The “anchor”, which at that and painted the anchor one of the best places on
anchor, it’s huge! The an- les and when the ship starts time was being stored at and poured a concrete the island to catch the sun-
chor that weighs 21,772 ki- to swing or lean on one the Oranjestad harbor, was pad around it. On April 17, rise. But in reality, anytime
los, is approximately 10 feet side, the anchor is properly suggested as an option. 2005, the anchor monu- is a good time to visit, de-
6 inches wide and 15 feet, set. Because of the rough Charlie liked the idea! He ment was rededicated “To pending on your personal
6 inches tall. weather, unfortunately then contacted the Presi- All Seamen” in a formal schedule.q