Hilma Hooker
Cargo Ship · Colombia · Lost 1984 · The Lesser Antilles
A Dutch-built freighter seized for drug smuggling that sank at Bonaire in 1984 after months of legal limbo, now a celebrated wreck dive.
Become Captain of RecordSee Shipwreck on Map
The Vessel and Her Loss
Originally launched as Midsland in the Netherlands, this freighter changed names and owners many times before arriving at Bonaire in 1984 as the Hilma Hooker, under suspicion of drug smuggling. Customs officers found over 11,000 kilograms of marijuana hidden aboard. While impounded and abandoned by her owners, the neglected ship began taking on water and sank near the harbour, later settling at the Angel City dive site.
Vessel
- 1951
- IMO 5234515
- Van der Giessen de Noord
- Krimpen aan den IJssel, Netherlands
- Steel
- 236 ft
- 36 ft
- 691
- Diesel, single screw
- San Andrés Shipping Line
Loss
- September 12, 1984
- Intentional sinking
- Off Kralendijk, Bonaire
- Caribbean Sea
- Barranquilla, Colombia → Kralendijk, Bonaire (seized in port)
- Not established
- Not established
- 0
- Not established
The Wreck Today
- 60-100
- Intact, lying on its starboard side
- Not established
- Not established
- Within Bonaire National Marine Park
Position
- 12.10° N 68.28° W
- Approximate position
- Angel City, Bonaire
Approximate position at the Angel City dive site south of Kralendijk.
Evidence
Overall confidence: Documented (85/100)
Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed (Maritime and Underwater Heritage database)
Full ownership chain, seizure, and sinking narrative.
Wreck depth and dive conditions.
