Long recognized one as one of the diving pioneers on the island, John Blair (affectionately known as "Wilson") is one of Statia most remarkable characters.
Famous for it's diving, Statia has many world class dive sites most of them discovered by Wilson including Blair's Wreck which was named after him.
One of 13 brother and sisters he was born and has lived on the island for all of his 69 years.
He started fishing and diving when he was 19, first using a rowboat as his base. After two years he graduated to motor boats; first the "Bernadette" and then "Kimberley".
A prolific fisherman, some of his feats include catching 99 lobsters in one session, 1268 in a week and 211 lb. of grouper in one hour.
A very accomplished free diver and fishermen, Wilson has stories of close encounters with sharks (although he reassures us that they are docile in the waters around Statia) and deep dives - 165 feet his deepest ("very lonesome!" he says).
Favorite things on Statia:
The quietness, no crime - "even now you don't have to lock your door"
People know each other
Diving - "Nothing like it!"
Atlantic side of the island
Long recognized one as one of the diving pioneers on the island, John Blair (affectionately known as "Wilson") is one of Statia most remarkable characters.
