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local Monday 13 noveMber 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 dent of Lago for permission
the island, standing alone some numbers. The 4112 walk out the extra tackles to acquire the anchor. He
on a windswept and bar- and 4115, which are be- and because of the ten- was granted permission
ren land stands a popular lieved to be the serial num- sion exerted on the winch, and the anchor was then
Aruba landmark – a large bers that refer to the “fluke” it broke, and they lost the relocated to its present lo-
anchor. It overlooks the or horizontal and vertical anchor and its chain.“ cation and dedicated “To
sea just beyond, watching parts of the anchor, re- All Seamen” on the occa-
over the shipping lanes. It spectively. The number Story 2: sion of the closing of the
stands there in memory 21772K refers to the weight “Mr. Curiel also said that Lago Oil Refinery on March
and in honor of all seamen of the anchor in kilos. at one time a small tanker 31, 1985.
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- Through the Years
Dortmund Horde, at a ed another anchor near Through the years the An-
Where to Find the Anchor? foundry located in Germa- the inner harbor. When the chor was slowly weather-
The anchor is a “must see” ny. ship asked for assistance, ing from the wind and salt. as a silent reminder that
landmark when you visit he went with his tugboat As time passed, sadly the Seroe Colorado is part of
Aruba. It is among the most Where did the Anchor along with a barge, to help. origin and purpose of the San Nicolas and that San
photographed historical Come From? But eventually they had to anchor slowly faded away Nicolas is still a vibrant and
landmarks for the island. There are a number of sto- cut the chain and let the from people’s memories. important part of the island
You want to make sure you ries as to the origins of the anchor go to the bottom of Aruba.
add this stop on your itiner- anchor, which one do you because they could not After Charles Brouns Jr died
ary when your visiting the think it was? (Unfortunately untangle them. ” on September 15, 2004, his The Best Time to Visit
south coast of Aruba. The the mystery has never been friend Mr. Sam Speziale, When your planning your
bright red anchor against solved, so your imagination How Did The Anchor requested assistance from visit to the south end of the
the backdrop of the deep can pick which one you Become a Landmark? the management of Vale- island, you will want to in-
blue Caribbean sea and think it might be!) Sometime between 1980 ro Aruba Refinery to help clude in your itinerary the
the azure blue skies, make and 1985, three gentlemen maintain the monument. many things to see and
a great backdrop for your Story 1: (Mr. Wim Martinus – the The Valero Aruba Refinery, do there. The anchor will
vacation pictures. “According to Mr. Man- Harbormaster of Aruba; Mr. graciously sandblasted be just one of these stops,
uel M. Curiel, an ex-Lago August Genser – the ex- and painted the anchor (keep an eye out for our
The anchor is located at Tug Captain, a fully laden Division Superintendent of and poured a concrete future editions, we publish
the entrance to Gate 6 to VLCC (Very Large Crude Lago’s Laboratory; and Mr. pad around it. On April 17, our recommendations!).
the former Lago Colony. It Carrier) was seeking a Willie Davis – Owner of Filtec 2005, the anchor monu-
is on the outskirts of Seroe mooring at the 15-mile an- at Zeewijk in San Nicolas), ment was rededicated “To With that being said, I have
Colorado, on the south chorage, known as Bara, were having a conversa- All Seamen” in a formal to say, if you enjoy catch-
east point of the island at on the southern part of the tion with Mr. Charlie Brouns ceremony in memory of ing a sunrise, the anchor is
the “T” junction to Baby island. This is the usual shal- Jr. at his famous Charlie’s Charles Brouns Jr. one of the best places on
Beach. low mooring location for Bar and Restaurant in San the island to catch the sun-
Depending on where you ships awaiting orders, etc. Nicolas. Charlie, who was a Today, the anchor stands rise. But in reality, anytime
are staying on the island, The weather was rough visionary and had dreams both as memorial to all is a good time to visit, de-
follow the signs that in- with strong current. The for developing the San seaman who have lost pending on your personal
dicate the way to Baby normal procedure is that Nicolas area, told these their lives at sea, but also schedule.q
Beach. Once you reach they would walk out three gentlemen that he would
the T-junction, it will be right shackles (about 90 feet) like to come up with some-
in front of you. until the anchor touches thing innovative for the San
the bottom while the chain Nicolas area to draw tour-
About the Anchor must rest on the bottom. ism to the area.
Size Subsequently, they will
It will be hard to miss the walk out some extra shack- The “anchor”, which at that
anchor, it’s huge! The an- les and when the ship starts time was being stored at
chor that weighs 21,772 ki- to swing or lean on one the Oranjestad harbor, was
los, is approximately 10 feet side, the anchor is properly suggested as an option.
6 inches wide and 15 feet, set. Because of the rough Charlie liked the idea! He
6 inches tall. weather, unfortunately then contacted the Presi-