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a8 local
Saturday 14 June 2025

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

There are a number of sto- But eventually they had to origin and purpose of the
ries as to the origins of the cut the chain and let the anchor slowly faded away
anchor, which one do you anchor go to the bottom from people’s memories.
think it was? (Unfortunately because they could not
the mystery has never been untangle them. ” After Charles Brouns Jr died
solved, so your imagination on September 15, 2004, his
can pick which one you How Did The Anchor friend Mr. Sam Speziale,
think it might be!) Become a Landmark? requested assistance from
Sometime between 1980 the management of Vale-
Story 1: and 1985, three gentlemen ro Aruba Refinery to help
“According to Mr. Man- (Mr. Wim Martinus – the maintain the monument.
uel M. Curiel, an ex-Lago Harbormaster of Aruba; The Valero Aruba Refinery,
Tug Captain, a fully laden Mr. August Genser – the graciously sandblasted
VLCC (Very Large Crude ex-Division Superintendent and painted the anchor
Carrier) was seeking a of Lago’s Laboratory; and and poured a concrete
mooring at the 15-mile an- Mr. Willie Davis – Owner pad around it. On April 17,
chorage, known as Bara, of Filtec at Zeewijk in San 2005, the anchor monu-
(Oranjestad)—At the south the “T” junction to Baby on the southern part of the Nicolas), were having a ment was rededicated “To
east coast of the island, Beach. island. This is the usual shal- conversation with Mr. Char- All Seamen” in a formal
standing alone on a wind- Depending on where you low mooring location for lie Brouns Jr. at his famous ceremony in memory of
swept and barren land are staying on the island, ships awaiting orders, etc. Charlie’s Bar and Restau- Charles Brouns Jr.
stands a popular Aruba follow the signs that in- The weather was rough rant in San Nicolas. Charlie,

landmark – a large anchor. dicate the way to Baby with strong current. The who was a visionary and Today, the anchor stands
It overlooks the sea just be- Beach. Once you reach normal procedure is that had dreams for develop- both as memorial to all
yond, watching over the the T-junction, it will be right they would walk out three ing the San Nicolas area, seaman who have lost their
shipping lanes. It stands in front of you. shackles (about 90 feet) told these gentlemen that lives at sea, but also as a
there in memory and in until the anchor touches he would like to come up silent reminder that Seroe
honor of all seamen who About the Anchor the bottom while the chain with something innovative Colorado is part of San
have lost their life at sea. Size must rest on the bottom. for the San Nicolas area to Nicolas and that San Nico-
It will be hard to miss the Subsequently, they will draw tourism to the area. las is still a vibrant and im-
Where to Find the Anchor? anchor, it’s huge! The an- walk out some extra shack- portant part of the island of
The anchor is a “must see” chor that weighs 21,772 ki- les and when the ship starts The “anchor”, which at that Aruba.
landmark when you visit los, is approximately 10 feet to swing or lean on one time was being stored at
Aruba. It is among the most 6 inches wide and 15 feet, side, the anchor is properly the Oranjestad harbor, was The Best Time to Visit
photographed historical 6 inches tall. set. Because of the rough suggested as an option. When your planning your
landmarks for the island. On the anchor there are weather, unfortunately Charlie liked the idea! He visit to the south end of the
You want to make sure you some numbers. The 4112 they did not get the time to then contacted the Presi- island, you will want to in-
add this stop on your itiner- and 4115, which are be- walk out the extra tackles dent of Lago for permission clude in your itinerary the
ary when your visiting the lieved to be the serial num- and because of the ten- to acquire the anchor. He many things to see and do
south coast of Aruba. The bers that refer to the “fluke” sion exerted on the winch, was granted permission there. The anchor will be
bright red anchor against or horizontal and vertical it broke, and they lost the and the anchor was then just one of these stops.
the backdrop of the deep parts of the anchor, respec- anchor and its chain.“ relocated to its present lo-
blue Caribbean sea and tively. The number 21772K cation and dedicated “To With that being said, we
the azure blue skies, make refers to the weight of the Story 2: All Seamen” on the occa- have to say, if you enjoy
a great backdrop for your anchor in kilos. “Mr. Curiel also said that sion of the closing of the catching a sunrise, the
vacation pictures. This type of anchor was at one time a small tanker Lago Oil Refinery on March anchor is one of the best
manufactured by Hoesch with a Korean crew, while 31, 1985. places on the island to
The anchor is located at Dortmund Horde, at a lifting their anchor also lift- catch the sunrise. But in
the entrance to Gate 6 to foundry located in Germa- ed another anchor near Through the Years reality, anytime is a good
the former Lago Colony. It ny. the inner harbor. When the Through the years the An- time to visit, depending on
is on the outskirts of Seroe ship asked for assistance, chor was slowly weather- your personal schedule.q
Colorado, on the south Where did the Anchor he went with his tugboat ing from the wind and salt.
east point of the island at Come From? along with a barge, to help. As time passed, sadly the