While diving at an unmarked site we came across a dozen or so cannonballs, they were very heavy - I would estimate more than 20lbs each. Were we close to the Bonaire Treasure? Actually, all of the dive sites on Bonaire are treasures, but is there any stories to go along with the Cannonballs?

Dennis,

Holy crap! What a great find! Don't know anything about them myself but I would love to hear more about it. I won't blame you for not directly identifying the dive site on a public forum like this, but can you at least tell us how deep you were?

Michael

are these the cannonballs associated with the movie that was shot in Washington Park ? remember cannon and ammo that we found in bay at Slagbai, heard it was part of movie set left behind

Hey Dennis! I second Michael's sentiments - all of them! Are there any under-water archeologists on this board? From the little bit of history I know of Bonaire - which is very very limited, you are probably looking at Spanish cannon balls. But what the heck do I know? They could be Dutch because of when the island changed hands. I love history, but my specialty is US 20th Century environmental policy. My research on Bonaire's history was rudimentary at best and done just for some background information for my first trip to Bonaire. I know there are a few retired professors on island, maybe one of them has done some research and would be better to chime in on this. Can you tell I am excited for you? This is so AMAZING!!!! Any way, to make a full identification, I'm sure a location is going to be necessary to research which ships were where - but I agree...do not post that information here. You need to hook up with a serious scholar. I'm drawing blanks here. The only underwater archeologist I can think of is George Bass, but I think he passed away (plus his specialty was the Mediterranean Sea). Ok...my mind is racing now and I am rambling. CONGRATULATIONS on the find! I really hope you document and publish this. Way to go!!!!! Oh yeah...don't remove them. You could cause damage to them, plus most researchers want to see them in situ. Whoo hoo for you!!!

Well...that sure dampens my excitement. I will still keep good thoughts that you found something special.

These were not very deep, maybe 20 feet or so. They also were not in Washington Park. We asked the guys that were checking out park tags one day, and they stated that there are many cannonballs around but were not sure why.

Dennis,

I suggest you contact STINAPA, who is in charge of the Marine Park, they could direct your where to go. I know that they have been doing archeological stuff on the East side of the island and Washington Slaagbai Park. Too cool!

Liz

Dennis
I did a dive about 2 weeks ago with Bas and he took me see 6 cannons in about 25 feet of water. I did not see the cannon balls just 6 cannons. It was a grrreat dive. Maybe Bas has the story to tell.
Yana

A friend of mine is the local Antillean historian of Bonaire. I will ask him about this and get back to you about it if I learn anything from him. He is not a diver, alas.
Tish

Yana,
That's terrific. I would love to see the cannons. I will have to lookup Bas next time I visit.
Dennis

I have found numerous cannon balls in shallow water. I am certain that they were used as ballast.