the Superior Producer story

The wreck of the Superior Producer lies upright on the bottom near the mega-pier of Willemstad on Curaçao at a depth of 33 m, just 60 m from the shore. It sank on September 30, 1977, completely overloaded with whisky, paper and clothes during a storm off the harbor entrance. Immediately after the sinking, blue jeans, cotton T-shirts, scarves and cases of whiskey washed ashore. Built in 1957, the 400 brt, 50.3 meter long cargo ship was en route to Isla Margarita for the Christmas shopping season. Despite the captain’s fears, the overloaded ship left port. The fears became reality no sooner had the crew waved good-bye to the people on shore. The cargo began to slide in the heavy seas and the Superior Producer quickly sank on an even keel.

The local divers had a great time “recovering” the cargo. Within a few days most of the islanders were newly dressed (those who couldn’t dive were able to buy clothes at extreme discounts in the local markets) And the salvaged whiskey did its part to contribute to the great time.