International partnership combines local expertise with world-class technology
Shipwrecks and other underwater cultural heritage tell the story of Aruba’s maritime past, from international trade and migration to wartime events. This month, Aruba will take an important step towards protecting that history through a unique collaboration between the Museo Arqueologico Nacional Aruba (MANA), Imagination for Development and the Nature of Values Aruba (IDNOVA), the Aruba Conservation Foundation (ACF) and international marine research organization Inkfish LLC.
Harold Kelly (MANA) and Oriana Wouters (IDNOVA) will enter quarantine in Curaçao on 20 August before boarding the research vessel RV Hydra of Inkfish LLC, a philanthropic marine research organization that supports ocean science through advanced research vessels, innovative mapping technologies and multidisciplinary scientific expeditions. The expedition will take place from 25 August until 15 September 2026, during which period surveys will be carried out around Aruba’s coastline. This marks the beginning of an exciting journey.
In November 2025 the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE) trained Dutch Caribbean heritage professionals in Aruba using internationally recognized UNESCO methods for documenting and protecting underwater cultural heritage. MANA archaeologists Harold Kelly and Raymundo Dijkhoff, together with ACF’s Shane Thielman and Oriana Wouters of IDNOVA represented Aruba.
MANA, ACF and IDNOVA turned that training into action by documenting the underwater cultural heritage of San Nicolas Bay, one of Aruba’s most important historic maritime landscapes, and by carrying out a new assessment of the SS Pedernales. Local divers and community heritage carriers, under the guidance of Anthony Hagedoorn and Lui Samanez joined for several of the survey locations. This way combining local knowledge with scientific research while creating opportunities for knowledge transfer between generations and responsible community archaeology.
The next chapter begins later this month with the expedition of Inkfish LLC. Working together with MANA, they will help identify, map and document Aruba’s underwater cultural heritage using state-of-the-art technology, including high-resolution seabed mapping, 3D imaging and deep-water survey systems.
Equally important, the expedition will provide hands-on training for local researchers, strengthening Aruba’s own capacity to manage and protect its underwater cultural heritage long after the expedition has ended. Harold Kelly and Oriana Wouters will work alongside the international research team, ensuring that knowledge and experience remain in Aruba for future research and heritage management.
Supporting the collaboration, is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Minister of Culture, Mike Eman, ensuring that all scientific data collected during the expedition will remain available to Aruba. This national resource can contribute to future research, education and the sustainable management of Aruba’s underwater cultural heritage.
Beyond the scientific discoveries, the project represents an investment in Aruba’s future. The collaboration will strengthen national research capacity, inspire the next generation of heritage professionals and help preserve Aruba’s unique underwater cultural heritage for generations to come. Throughout the expedition, MANA, IDNOVA and Inkfish LLC will share regular updates, giving the public the opportunity to follow this exciting journey beneath Aruba’s waters.
