WILLEMSTAD - Dive school owner Hans Pleij has raised an alarm following a dive at Tugboat, one of Curaçao's most popular dive spots. To his dismay, he discovered significant coral damage, likely caused by the thrusters of a drilling platform docked at the pier. “It was shocking,” said Pleij. “Where sponges and algae usually grow, everything is now gone. Beneath the pier, the reef has been completely wiped out. The destruction extends to the first mooring post in the water.”
A Devastated Reef
During his dive, Pleij quickly observed the extent of the damage. He encountered a disturbed seabed and pieces of sheet metal that had not been there before. “The platform's thrusters probably caused strong currents due to bad weather. Everything has been swept away,” he explained.
Pleij warned that such damage could severely impact dive tourism. “Dive tourism attracts people from around the world. If we keep damaging the reef, hotel rooms will remain empty, and we’ll lose a significant source of revenue.”
Systemic Negligence
Pleij criticized the lack of oversight and enforcement. “According to Dammers, thrusters should not be used without notifying Kompania di Tou Kòrsou (KTK) and the Harbor Inspection, but this has happened again. Meanwhile, the reef suffers irreversible damage.”
Dammers, the company responsible for maritime logistics, confirmed awareness of the situation but referred the matter to Curaçao Ports Authority (CPA). To date, CPA has not responded to inquiries from Caribisch Netwerk regarding the incident.
This is not an isolated event, Pleij noted, recalling previous damage during the construction of Mega Pier II. “Back then, an anchor was dragged over the reef. Dive schools fixed the damage, but we’re still waiting for compensation. It’s always words, never action.”
Through his foundation, Coral Reef Restoration Team Curaçao, Pleij has been working for years to restore damaged reefs. “We cultivate endangered coral and attempt to restore the reef, but it’s futile when incidents like this destroy it again. It feels like pouring water into the sea.”
A Call for Action
Pleij is calling for stricter measures and better enforcement. “The government must take responsibility and involve an independent organization like CARMABI to assess the damage. Calculate the costs and hold the responsible parties accountable. Elsewhere in the world, you’d face hefty fines for this. Here, nothing happens.”
Pleij insists that action is overdue. “Our underwater world is unique and deserves protection, not destruction. We must preserve our reef, not only for ourselves but for future generations. This is not the future we want for Curaçao.”
CPA Responds
In a response, CPA acknowledged awareness of the alleged incident and stated that the Harbor Safety Inspection is conducting an investigation. “When a complaint is filed, the Harbor Safety Inspection, led by the Harbor Master, initiates an investigation. That investigation is currently underway.”