Red Anchor: A Maritime Memorial in San Nicolas

The Red Anchor, proudly displayed in San Nicolas, stands as a tribute to Aruba's rich maritime heritage and the brave seamen who perished at sea. This impressive anchor, painted a vibrant red, is hard to miss and serves as a poignant reminder of the island's connection to the ocean.Located at the intersection leading to Baby Beach and other southeastern attractions, the Red Anchor has become a beloved landmark and a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The anchor weighs 21,772 kilos and measures approximately 10 feet 6 inches wide and 15 feet 6 inches tall. Numbers on the anchor, 4112 and 4115, are believed to be serial numbers, while 21772K refers to its weight in kilograms. It was manufactured by Hoesch Dortmund Horde, a German foundry.The anchor's origins are shrouded in mystery, with two main theories prevailing. One suggests it was lost by a very large crude carrier (VLCC) during rough seas, while the other involves a Korean tanker, a tugboat, and an unfortunate knot-tying incident. Regardless of its exact past, the anchor was relocated to its current location in 1985 as a memorial to seamen, coinciding with the closing of the Lago Oil Refinery. Charlie Brouns Jr., owner of Charlie's Bar, played a key role in this relocation.Over the years, the Red Anchor has faced weathering from the elements. Following Charlie Brouns Jr.'s death in 2004, the Valero Aruba Refinery stepped in to restore it, rededicating the monument in 2005. Today, it continues to stand as a symbol of San Nicolas and its vibrant history.