The Hilma Hooker came to Bonaire with mechanical problems. When authorities offered to help and the ship’s captain declined, customs got suspicious and decided to investigate. Surprise, a load of drugs was found, and the ship was confiscated. With nobody taking care of the ship, it began to sink. They hauled it out to a good spot and a few days later it was on the bottom between 60 and 100′ deep. It’s a huge ship, and the kids always enjoy a wreck more than they do a coral dive, so this was definitely a hit. Because of the depth we had to hang out mostly near the top of it, but that was good enough.
Strange to find bubbles coming out of a hole in the hull. Lowe noticed them immediately.
A lot of nice coral on the hill heading back up to the beach, too. Dives in Bonaire are great because you can go investigate the deep stuff, then slowly make your way back to the surface by swimming up the steep hills to the shallows.
Met a local lady the other day who asked, “Are you the boat with the swing on it?”
This is a patch of coral in the shallows right up in front of the boat.
11 Comments on “Hilma Hooker”
Brilliant fish shots.
The shots of the coral and the fish are absolutely stunning! I love following your adventures.
Your new DJI camera must be working nicely.
nate
Yes, so far we happy with it. And just found the underwater setting. So we will see what change that does. At half the cost of a GoPro…
Underwater pics are amazing! I had to laugh at the pic of you diving shirtless — I’ve only gone in the Pacific Northwest with a full drysuit (and fleece pyjamas and 50lbs of weight LOL) so the idea of going *without* all that gear is seriously appealing!!
haha, I’m not sure I could get interested in cold ocean. I wore a rash shirt a couple times and already felt like that was a bit much. 🙂 BTW, Brio II is looking fantastic. Now get it pointed in the right direction again.
Looks like a nice wreck. Make sure you instill in the kids not to enter inside, even if it looks safe.
They already want to get wreck certified. 🙂 Doubt I’ll find a dive shop ready to take that one on quite yet, though. We’ll give that some time.
Beautiful! Your new camera is really taking great shots. So happy the kids are enjoying diving.
Yes a new playground for them.
Happy to see you back on the road! And I tell you, your cooking skills are fascinating to me. Goddess indeed.
I have a nice shot of the prop looking up slightly. Great wreck dive!