My family and I just got back 5 days ago from an otherwise wonderful week in Bonaire. But one near miss has me still somewhat shaken and I hope will create some discussion and maybe prevent future mishaps. We stayed at Belmar (fabulous place) for the week and were informed by the dive instructor that boats were to stay 50 meters or more outside the outer bouys. My son (10 years old) and I snorkeled out the first afternoon to the orange bouy then out past it maybe 10 meters. We were watching a diver on the bottom from the surface when I heard the noise of a motor approaching. I looked up and in shock saw a motor boat about 18 foot length running wide open straight at us within 2 seconds of impact. I grabbed my son's neck and jerked him as hard as I could muster toward the shore and the boat passed within 2 feet of our heads (exactly in the spot we had been). I did yell as they were passing us and they did see us but kept going full speed and laughing. We went straight in to the shore and didn't snorkel out that far for the rest of our week in Bonaire.

I believe that the boat was a rental and the driver was an American (from his accent and appearance). I bring this up so see if any others have thoughts on how to prevent a future tragedy and still be able to enjoy snorkeling on the island. The rest of the trip I dove and stayed far enough under for the boats to easily pass overhead, but for non divers this really isn't a possibility. Have there ever been efforts to limit motor boat rentals in Bonaire? This near miss could have easily turned out as a double fatality. I hope to hear your thoughts. Ben

Ben, welcome to Bonaire Talk.
I'm so sorry about this incident. Very frightening indeed. In general, boats are supposed to stay outside of the light turquoise water. Unfortunatly, some folks that rent boats (or even own them for that matter) haven't a clue about safety and watching what's ahead of you.

Did you report this to the dive shop? First step would have been to do this, and then call the Marine Park and report the incident. you can still do this, I'll have to look for the email for the Marine Park. If you can give enough ID for the boat, they can at least maybe have a conversation with the owners of the rental angency about the incident.

Ben,
You have mail
Susan

Yes Boat Chick, I did report this incident to the dive shop. The dive master stated that he would report it to the Marine Park. He said that there are 2 boat rental places in town. I didn't have time to get the ID numbers on the side of the boat. I can say though that it was a "party boat" type of hull. (ie. a V hull with a rather large squarish shape and a dark blue bimini somewhere around 18 feet or so in length). The incident took place on Monday 6/23 around 5 PM. Thank you both for your concern. Ben

This thread has been forwarded to the Director of Stinapa.

TKS, Michael.

Michael, thanks.

Who are you all kidding? it's not only rental boats that are too fast and too close.
On Donkey beach last week I saw a dive boat from one of the resorts going fast INSIDE the dive marker.
I'm sorry I don't have a police report or notarised video so this will probably be deleted as the sort of posting the moderators don't want people to see.

John you should have reported the incident to your dive shop, they will then raise it with BMP. I did this after Aquaspace did the same thing off no-name beech a few years back. The muppets inside were waving at us divers just feet away from the props.