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LOCAL Wednesday 27 March 2024

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

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