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LOCAL Thursday 16 OcTOber 2025

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

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