Hilma Hooker Wreck

1950s cargo ship, sunk in 1984 after a drug bust

The Hilma Hooker lies on its starboard side off Bonaire's southwest coast, with the upper hull around 18 metres and the mast descending towards 30 metres. The structure rises clearly from the sand at the start of the double-reef system, attracting fish and giving qualified divers a large, legible wreck to circle.

It can be reached from shore, but depth, current, navigation, and the swim out make this a poor place to overestimate your experience. Penetration requires the right training and equipment. Check conditions with a local operator and stay outside the wreck if you are not specifically prepared for overhead environments.

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A story
The Hilma Hooker was abandoned by its smuggler owners in 1984 after Bonaire police discovered 11 tonnes of marijuana hidden in a false bulkhead. The drifting hull was towed to a sandy patch off the southwest coast where it conveniently sank during a storm — saving the government the cost of dismantling it and giving divers one of the great Caribbean wrecks.

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