Hilma Hooker was a vessel built in the Netherlands and sold to various companies in the Caribbean. The last registered company to own the ship was Colombia’s San Andres Export & Import Company. In the summer of 1984, the ship experienced engine problems and had to be towed to the Kralendijk port. There, about 11,000 kg (25,000 lb) of marijuana were found on the ship and the vessel and was placed under surveillance by drug enforcement agencies. It ultimately sank in September 1984 after having been tied to the pier for many months. The owners of the Hilma Hooker never came forward to claim the ship and were never found.
Today, Hilma Hooker is an attractive dive site and one of the most popular ones in Bonaire. The ship has a length of 71 meters (235 feet) and lies on its starboard with its stern facing north and its bow facing south. Penetration is possible, but only experienced wreck divers should attempt this. Nonetheless, the fact that the ship has not been stripped and still has potential hazards left inside makes penetration dangerous.
There’s all sorts of marine life on and around the wreck of the Hilma Hooker, including different sea sponges, corals, anemones, crabs, shrimps, and schools of reef fish.
The depth of the dive site ranges from 8 to 30 meters (25-100 feet) and visibility is good. The wreck is diveable year-round. However, the hurricane season (June through November) should be avoided, if possible.
Picture taken at Hilma Hooker. Uploaded by Ron Scholte on Apr 4, 2024
Picture taken at Hilma Hooker. Uploaded by Ron Scholte on Apr 4, 2024
Picture taken at Hilma Hooker. Uploaded by Ron Scholte on Apr 4, 2024
