Aruba underwater cultural heritage is entering a new phase of research and protection through an international collaboration that combines local expertise with advanced marine technology.
Shipwrecks and other submerged cultural sites tell important stories about Aruba’s maritime history, international trade, migration and wartime events.
This month, Aruba will take a major step toward documenting and protecting that history through cooperation between the National Archaeological Museum Aruba, known as MANA, IDNOVA, Aruba Conservation Foundation and international maritime research organization Inkfish LLC.
Harold Kelly of MANA and Oriana Wouters of IDNOVA are scheduled to enter quarantine in Curaçao on August 20 before joining Inkfish LLC’s research vessel RV Hydra.
The expedition is expected to run from August 25 through September 15, 2026, with research activities taking place around Aruba’s coastline.
Inkfish LLC supports ocean science through specialized research vessels, advanced mapping technology and multidisciplinary scientific expeditions.
Building on Previous Training
The upcoming expedition builds on training conducted in Aruba in November 2025 by the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands.
Professionals from the Dutch Caribbean were trained using internationally recognized UNESCO methods for documenting and protecting underwater cultural heritage.
Aruba was represented by MANA archaeologists Harold Kelly and Raymundo Dijkhoff, Shane Thielman of Aruba Conservation Foundation and Oriana Wouters of IDNOVA.
MANA, ACF and IDNOVA later applied that training by documenting underwater cultural sites in San Nicolas Bay, one of Aruba’s most historically significant maritime areas.
The organizations also conducted a new assessment of the SS Pedernales.
Local divers and community heritage representatives participated in several research locations under the guidance of Anthony Hagedoorn and Lui Samanez.
Organizers said this approach combines local knowledge with scientific research while creating opportunities for intergenerational knowledge transfer and responsible community archaeology.
Advanced Mapping and 3D Imaging
The next stage will begin with the Inkfish LLC expedition later this month.
Working with MANA, the international research team will help identify, map and document submerged heritage sites using advanced technology.
These tools will include high-resolution seabed mapping, 3D imaging and deep-water research systems.
The expedition is also intended to provide practical training for local researchers.
This will help strengthen Aruba’s own capacity to manage and protect underwater cultural sites after the international expedition concludes.
Kelly and Wouters will work directly with the international research team so that knowledge and experience gained during the expedition can remain available in Aruba for future heritage research and management.
Scientific Data to Remain Accessible to Aruba
A Memorandum of Understanding signed by Minister of Culture Mike Eman is intended to ensure that scientific data collected during the expedition remains accessible to Aruba.
The resulting national resource could support future research, education and sustainable management of submerged heritage sites.
Organizers said the project represents more than scientific discovery.
It is also an investment in national research capacity, professional development and long-term preservation.
The collaboration is expected to help inspire future heritage professionals while strengthening Aruba’s ability to protect its unique maritime history.
During the expedition, MANA, IDNOVA and Inkfish LLC plan to share regular updates with the public.
The project marks an important new chapter for Aruba underwater cultural heritage, combining scientific research, local participation and international expertise to preserve submerged history for future generations.
