Vista Blue: Boat Anchored in the Coral

[Soloist]

We were in Bonaire last month and hit Vista Blue for our first dive of the day. After making the turn south for the return leg we ascended to around 25 feet to enjoy the morning sun illuminating the reef when we spotted something peculiar in the distance. We were amazed and disappointed to discover an anchor embedded into the coral. It was attached to one of the kite school tender boats at Kite City. Are they dropping this damn thing onto the reef everyday? Has anybody else witnessed this?

 

[Lorenzoid]

Did you report it to Stinapa?

 

[uncfnp]

Did you report it to Stinapa?

Ha. I told Eric that would be the first logical question and no we haven’t...yet.

For myself all I can say is that I guess we just assumed they had some special dispensation because of the monies the school brings to Bonaire. Obviously we did plan to explore this since Eric took video. It just got lost in all the busy days since. But yesterday I was researching marine park rules when I found a Stinapa video about boats and anchoring with in the park. It was pretty clearly a big no no. I mentioned this to Eric and he remembered the incident and hence the thread.

We have the stills and video but can only find a phone and fax contact info for Stinapa.

 

[Soloist]

Email has been sent!

 

[Soloist]

The Marine Park officials are looking into the situation.

 

[Lorenzoid]

Good work! "Looking into it" probably means they are already aware that this happens now and then and turn a blind eye or have no practical way to enforce it, but the real win here is that they are at least aware that marine park fee-paying visitors like you are aware and not pleased.

 

[Jersey]

Thanks for speaking up for the corals and marine life!

 

[scuba127]

Thanks for reporting this....Vista Blue is in my top 5 sites....I've got to start carrying a cutting tool on dives....

 

[Soloist]

We typically enter the water at the pyramid of rocks between Vista Blue and the old fishermen’s hut. Shortly after we parked our truck an employee for one of the kite schools drives up and pops out of her vehicle. She tells us that Vista Blue is further down the beach (south) and that we should leave. Lisa politely informed her we have dived this particular site many times and we were well aware of the precautions to take for the kite surfers and boats. We proceeded to gear up as she watched in silence. Does this have anything to do with the anchored boat? Who knows? Interestingly enough Aquarius is much more popular and closer to the kite school than this site.

 

[scuba127]

Nice work...we can't get to the point where Kite Surfers are controlling our diving activities.....