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local Friday 14 November 2025
Don’t forget to visit Aruba’s famous Red Anchor

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

About the anchor
Size
It will be hard to miss the
anchor, it’s huge! The an-
chor that weighs 21,772 ki-
los is approximately 10 feet
6 inches wide and 15 feet,
6 inches tall.

On the anchor there are
some numbers. The 4112
and 4115, which are be-
lieved to be the serial num-
bers that refer to the “fluke”
or horizontal and vertical
parts of the anchor, respec-
tively. The number 21772K
refers to the weight of the
anchor in kilos.

This type of anchor was
manufactured by Hoesch
Dortmund Horde, at a
foundry located in Germa-
ny.