Playa Hermosa Shipwreck
Today Playa Hermosa’s artificial reef project, Condofish, moves what’s left of the enormous shrimp boat that sunk in the Hermosa harbor in mid-September. The jagged hull of the boat had been partially submerged in sand close to the shoreline, full of nails and sharp edges, creating a safety hazard for swimmers. Without the funds or manpower to move it, Costa Rican officials contacted Condofish to do the heavy lifting.
The Playa Hermosa Artificial Reef Project is nicknamed “Condofish” for its twelve igloo-shaped structures situated a few hundred meters offshore. Designed to attract fish and other marine life and made of cinderblocks, they provide little compartments that make perfect dwellings – or ‘condos’ – for local sea creatures. Although the project is less than a year old, hundreds of species already call this part of the beach home – including puffer fish, sea horses, rays and a slew of other animals.
Underwater view
Project director Christian Lemouche and project engineer Rene Desaulniers designed and orchestrated a plan to remove the wreckage from the shoreline and re-sink it alongside Condofish – essentially recycling the wreck by turning it into a huge addition to the reef. Nine 55-gallon drums were fastened to the wreck, the first part of which was floated and re-sunk last Saturday. For countless hours, the crew diligently worked (both above and below the surface) in order to once again make Playa Hermosa a clean, safe place for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing.
In preparation for the effort, local artist Lise Lacaille (despite being sick with adult-onset chicken pox) and engineer Rene Desaulniers prepared nine barrels that would be secured to the wreck with chains, ropes and construction re-bars. Thaddeus Rund, part owner of the Green Life Academy in Playas del Coco, played a critical role in organizing and coordinating the effort, and also in spreading the word and gathering support. Jean Pierre Miller tracked down and retrieved the barrels required to complete the job. Don Rund, was an immense help in the water and Elaine Rund donated her time in helping with ancillary tasks like transportation, raising funds and caring for gear. Genna Marie Robustelli documented the event with an underwater camera. Christian Lemouche, as always kept the momentum of the project moving with tireless commitment.
In addition, locals were happy to work together to support the effort by supplying goods and services where they could. Diving Safaris provided dozens of scuba tanks and rental dive gear, and local restaurant Aqua Sport allowed Condofish to use their property as a base camp. Dozens of residents and visitors showed up to voice their appreciation and to watch the final phase of the effort, when the main hull would be floated and towed offshore. Such teamwork and general cohesion was unprecedented within the Playa Hermosa community.
Sunday, November 27th the Condofish Committee planned a big “Shipwreck Party” complete with a beach side bonfire to move the biggest piece. Unfortunately, the towboat did not feature a large enough engine to move the wreck where it needed to go – but it did manage to get it farther away from the shore. Efforts to transport the hull to its final resting place alongside Condofish will resume this week.
