South Africa: Africaine, Johanna, Martha, Waterloo, Fleur de Mourice, Mexican, Ashmount & Aloe shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

April 5:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1841: Africaine, this wooden sailing schooner wrecked on the rocks on East Beach, about 1 km east of the Kowie River Mouth in Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape.

1848: A south-easterly gale in the Eastern Cape claimed three vessels on this day:

• Johanna, this wooden sailing barque’s cables parted, and it subsequently wrecked in Port Elizabeth in Algoa Bay.

• Martha, this wooden sailing barque wrecked in Port Elizabeth in Algoa Bay. All on board the Johanna and Martha were saved by the Port Elizabeth lifeboat.

• Waterloo, this iron sailing schooner (coaster) wrecked just north of the Great Fish river mouth after offloading supplies at Port Jessie in what was named Cawood/Waterloo Bay. The master and second mate drowned during the wrecking and the loss precipitated the abandonment of the port.

1894: Fleur de Mourice, this vessel struck the bar in Durban harbour in KwaZulu-Natal whilst being towed on this day. It was officially condemned on the 14th of April.

1900: Mexican, this British steam-powered passenger ship left Table Bay on the 4th April transporting 244 passengers and a cargo of mail. It collided with the troop transport ship Winkfield in thick fog, about 65 kilometres north of Dassen Island, late at night on the 5th.

The Mexican (1900) in Table Bay in 1883

All on board were rescued by the Winkfield, and its cargo of mail by the Montrose. By the time the Winkfield left, the Mexican had disappeared below water. The Mexican was the first loss of the newly formed Union-Castle line.

1905: Ashmount, this steel steam-powered cargo ship struck a rock between Fish Point and Stalwart Point and subsequently wrecked in Waterloo Bay in the Eastern Cape. One of the lifeboats capsized in the surf whilst trying to land at Three Sister’s Rocks near the Kowie River mouth which resulted in the loss of seven (possibly eight) lives.

1943: Aloe, this British steam-powered merchant ship was torpedoed and sunk by U-182 off Port Shepstone in KwaZulu-Natal. The 46 that were on board were picked up by the Alexander Ramsey and landed at Cape Town.

The Aloe (1943), date and location unknown

The master was however taken as prisoner on board the U-boat and presumed to have died when U-182 was attacked and sunk on the 16th of May off Madeira.

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South Africa: Cockburn, Barrys 1, Nancy, R P Buck, Haleric & Vasso shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

April 4:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1823: Cockburn, this wooden sailing schooner wrecked in a south-easterly gale on Muizenberg Beach in False Bay in the Western Cape. Alternative dates for the wrecking range from the 3rd of April to the 6th.

1848: Barrys 1, this wooden sailing schooner wrecked in a south-easterly gale in Struisbaai in the Western Cape.

1848: Nancy, this sailing schooner wrecked in a south-easterly gale in Mossel Bay in the Western Cape. Although the cargo was landed, one man drowned because of the wrecking.

1877: R P Buck, this American sailing barque wrecked in thick fog about 24 km west of the Ratel River mouth in the Western Cape, possibly near Franskraal.

1933: Haleric, this British steel steam-powered freighter steamed into St Helena Bay in a thick fog on dead reckoning. It struck a reef but managed to come off. Shortly after, it struck another reef and started to flood.

The Haleric (1933), date and location unknown

It was abandoned and the tug, TS McEwan, was dispatched to provide assistance. The Haleric’s bulkhead gave way with its boilers coming adrift as it sank nose first to the seabed. The captain was reprimanded for being 22 miles east of his course.

1991: Vasso, this motor-powered bulk ore-carrier foundered offshore, northeast of Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape. It was loaded with manganese ore from Saldanha Bay when it encountered rough seas and large waves on the 3rd of April. A crack was discovered in the No. 1 hold so the crew started making way to East London for repairs.

The Vasso (1991) under its previous name, Hopeclipper, between 1977-1984, location unknown

The crack widened and holds No. 2, 3, and 4 started flooding. It started foundering and an SOS was sent out at 10:00 on the 4th of April. All aboard abandoned ship on two boats which were picked up the Sea Bulker and the Ithaca Reefer. The tug Wolraad Woltemade left Algoa Bay an hour after the SOS was received. When the tug reached the area where the ore-carrier was meant to be the following day, together with a SAAF patrol, all they found was an oil slick and an upturned lifeboat.

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Namibia: Wilhelmstal Padstal between Okahandja & Karibib

Wilhelmstal Padstal between Okahandja & Karibib

Perfectly situated between Windhoek and Swakopmund, Wilhelmstal Padstal is that much-needed stop to break the journey, enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice of Apfelstreusel (homemade apple crumble) or a mince pie – and purchase some biltong and droëwors for the road.

YouTube video: nearby Kwetu Cafe has a small parrot zoo:

Janko Meyer took over the popular padstal in March 2017 and has continued to supply quality meat products like braaiwors, mince, fillets, biltong and dröewors, which are made in-house with meat sourced from local farms in the vicinity. Janko says that he grew up making biltong, one of the many things he learnt on the farm.

A large selection of preserves fills their shelves – from Omaruru, Swakopmund and even Cape Town. And, if you’re lucky, you’ll find a bottle of delicious zucchinisalsa, made by Janko’s mom Ingrid Meyer, ideal as a pasta sauce or condiment for meat, bread and cheese. Other favourites include pickled onions, cucumbers and beetroot, chilli jam, chutney, honey, rusks, Schalensaft (lemon peel syrup) and prickly pear juice. Mid-year, bags of oranges are also for sale from the Meyers’ Albrechtshöhe Guest Farm, 25km away.

After good rainfall, at the beginning of the year you’ll often find people selling Omajowa – the giant termite hill mushrooms - outside the farmstall. 

All good reasons to make a pitstop along the road at Wilhelmstal, Namibia.

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South Africa: Vergenoeg historical mansion in Muizenberg, Cape Town

Vergenoeg was built in 1915 for Sir Alpheus Williams, General Manager of De Beers. American-born and educated Williams led De Beers during a period of rapid development, and he subsequently established the structural engineering firm Alpheus Williams & Dowse. A man with many interests, he led an active public life.

Vergenoeg means ‘far enough’, and at the time of its construction it revelled in its splendidly isolated position on the dunes of False Bay (but conveniently close to the Muizenberg railway station). Designed by the firm of Baker & Kendall in the Cape Dutch Revival style, it is likely to be the work of Franklin Kendall since Herbert Baker had left for the Rand in 1902.

YouTube video of Muizenberg:

Besides being a much-loved holiday home for Williams (and now for the current owner, Mary Slack) the house has had many illustrious visitors including Jan Smuts, the Prince of Wales in 1925, and Princess Alice.

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Namibia: accidents & how to drive on gravel roads - safety tips

Two separate crashes involving self-drive tourists were reported on the C14 route over the long weekend. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported in both incidents.

Ironically, both crashes happened at the same location, it being the low-water bridge in the Gaub Pass.

DRIVING ON GRAVEL ROADS IN NAMIBIA

Gravel roads are constantly changing and considered as "low-grip surface". When driving on gravel roads in Namibia, driving slowly is the key to a safe journey. This reduces the risk of losing traction when you stop, accelerate, or take a corner.

Always take into consideration the dust factor. PLEASE drive with the headlights on for increased visibility!

Guidelines:

▪︎ ALL OCCUPANTS in the vehicle must be restrained - BUCKLE-UP!

▪︎ Drive on the left side of the road.

▪︎ DON'T drive in the centre of the road when a vehicle is approaching. Keep to the left of the road a far and as safe possible.

▪︎ Minimize driving on the right side of the road because of extreme, adverse, or hazardous road conditions (e.g., bad corrugation, debris) on the left side of road. This can only be done when it is safe, when you are able to observe the road ahead clearly and as a last option.

▪︎ Ensure that your vehicle is 100% roadworthy before travelling on any gravel road - ensure that the spare tyre is in a good condition and taking an additional spare tyre with is not a bad idea.

▪︎ Keep both hands on the steering wheel and ensure a firm grip at all times 

▪︎ Adhere to the speed limit - REMEMBER that the speed limit is normally 100 km/h on gravel roads unless otherwise indicated - REMEMBER that the speed limit is not a target.

▪︎ Adapt speed as per road conditions.

▪︎ Be aware of loose gravel & sand on road surface and protruding rock, especially while roadwork is in progress.

▪︎ Don't jerk or cause sudden movement on the steering wheel.

▪︎ Avoid sudden acceleration, deceleration, or harsh braking.

▪︎ Move to the left when a vehicle is busy overtaking.

▪︎ Monitor the mirror's regularly.

▪︎ Avoid driving in a dust cloud - rather reduce speed and maintain a proper safe following distance (200 - 300 meters advised).

▪︎ DON'T DRIVE IN CONVOY FORMAT and NEVER DRIVE IN THE DUST-TRAIL OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF YOU.

▪︎ If you are unable to see the road ahead clearly, reduce speed, and don't even consider overtaking.

▪︎ Reduce speed well ahead of any river crossings, a bend, or even a blind rise.

▪︎ Overtaking - ask yourself: DO I HAVE TO OVERTAKE? ONLY overtake when it is safe and you are able to observe the road ahead clearly. Remain to right side of road as far and safe possible and only return to the left side of road when it is safe for both you and the vehicle you are busy overtaking.

▪︎ Don't accelerate when a vehicle is busy overtaking you.

▪︎ For a smoother drive and better control, adapt tyre pressure as per road conditions.

▪︎ ALWAYS drive with the headlights on.

▪︎ Always move to the left when a vehicle is approaching, but in the same breath, keep a safe distance from the road edge.

▪︎ Monitor the dust trail of approaching vehicles.

▪︎ Never stop on the other side of a blind crest - if their is a need to stop, pull well off the road surface at a safe location.

▪︎ Road conditions change overnight due to high traffic volumes and weather conditions. Adapt  driving habits accordingly.

▪︎ Always be on the lookout for game / animals on the road surface.

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Namibia: Historical Swakopmund - Ritterburg Mansion

Historical Swakopmund 

Theodor Ritter was a son-in-law of the Hamburg shipping magnate Adolph Woermann, and had been managing affairs at the local offices  of the Woermann Shipping Line from 1908 until 1912. Architect Höft (who also signed responsible for the design of the Haus Altona and the stately Woermann Haus with the Damara Tower) had designed the residence for Mr Ritter. Notably, it had been the first building in the country with electrical wiring and switches for lights and appliances integrated in the walls. (The Woermann group of companies operated the local coal-fired power station in town, it  had also been one of the very first electrical power stations in all of Southern Africa).

View from Woermann Haus Tower over the Ritterburg Mansion, the empty shell of the customs shed, and a deserted Mole in the distance

The mansion for Mr Theodor Ritter and his family (remember: his wife had been a daughter of the patrician Woermann dynasty) had been built onto the upper ridge of an age-old beach terrace, at the intersection of Kaiser Wilhelm - and Bismarck Straße. Further north along the same terrace, there had been the lighthouse as well as the 'Kabelmesse' (the local telegraph station). A little distance away, the Woermann Haus had been completed a few years prior.

YouTube video: Old Swakopmund:

As can be seen on the historical photograph of the 'Ritterburg', the main entrance had originally been on the southern façade of the building. This explains why the current entrance around the back has always felt like the kitchen servants' entrance - and does not make much sense, architecturally.

The southern main entrance had probably been shut off and bricked in somewhere between 1920 and 1970, when the building had served as yet another boarding school / 'Schul-Internat'.

The persistent southwesterly winds are probably to blame for this, but today there would be more elegant solutions to that.

Note how the building had once been surrounded by trees, probably the hardy Manotoka, Rooikrans / 'Port Jackson', Araucarya and Casuarina trees.

The photograph dates back to the years immediately after the 1st World War.

The customs shed in the picture explains  why the diagonal street below is still known as 'Am Zoll Straße'.

Swakopmund had originally been the main harbour town of German South-West Africa. All the harbour activities were moved to Walvis Bay during the war in 1915 already.

Swakopmund thus remains a harbour town that hasn't seen a single ship in well over a hundred years. And, against all odds, the town seems to be doing pretty well.

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Избегайте Хоум Банк!

Неработающий онлайн банк, отсутствие работающего приложения и бесполезная "техподдержка"

Зайти в приложение Хоум банка на телефоне невозможно по причине отсутствия пароля. Пароль, в теории, получается в онлайн банке на сайте Хоума. Зайти в онлайн банк на сайте Хоум банка невозможно - с начала мая выскакивает сообщение о проведении «работы по улучшению сервиса», судя по всему до конца текущего века. Разумеется, заявка оставленная 6 мая в техподдержке, канула в Лету, не оставив следов или ответа.

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South Africa: Merestein, Castor, Clyde & Gleam shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

Shipwreck in Namibia

April 3:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1702: Merestein, this Dutch East Indiaman wrecked on Jutten Island in Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape. The crew tried to enter Saldanha Bay for replenishment when the ship drifted onto the rocks around Jutten Island. It sank quickly and was battered to pieces within minutes. This resulted in the loss of life of the captain, two women, five children, and half of the crew. Approximately 100 of the crew reached the shore. Ships were sent from the Cape to pick up survivors. Its remains were discovered in the early 1970s which led to intense salvage efforts. The metal remains were conglomerated onto the rocks, so the salvors used dynamite. This resulted in the destruction of most of the wreck and what little remained after blowing it up was salvaged. Some of the artefacts, which included coins, were donated to museums whilst others were sold to collectors.

1851: Castor, this British man-o-war wrecked in the Buffalo River in East London in the Eastern Cape.

1879: Clyde, this British iron steam-powered transport ship struck a reef north-east of Dyer Island in the Western Cape and had to be run ashore on the island in fine weather, becoming a total wreck. Although the site can be dived, reports of great white shark activity tend to dissuade divers.

1882: Gleam, this British composite iron and wooden sailing barque wrecked in Port Nolloth in the Northern Cape. There was a rush to enter the Port Nolloth harbour and its chain parted after the anchor was raised. Although a tug was sent to help, the master refused assistance. It drifted onto Black Jacob Rock and was battered to pieces within 5 minutes. Reports vary, but it is believed that five of the crew of nine lost their lives.

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South Africa: Matilda shipwreck

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

April 2:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1838: Matilda, this wooden sailing brig foundered in Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape. It struck the rocks at Cape Recife in the early hours of the morning and within two hours, foundered in deeper waters.

The rocky headland and the Cape Recife Lighthouse, which was only commissioned 1851 with Port Elizabeth in the background

All on board made it to the boats and were rescued by the barque, Charles Dumurgue. They were landed safely at Port Elizabeth the following day.

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South Africa: Vivid, Dahomian, Border, George M Livanos, Bulwark & African Phoenix shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

April 1:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1860: Vivid, this wooden sailing schooner wrecked in Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape.

1944: Dahomian, this British steam-powered merchant ship was torpedoed and sunk by U-852 near Kommetjie on the Cape Peninsula in the Western Cape. The ship was en-route from New York to Cape Town with a general cargo including mail and 17 aircraft. Two crew members were lost with the survivors being picked up by the HMSAS Krugersdorp and HMSAS Natalia, who landed them at Simon’s Town.

1947: Border, this motor-powered coaster wrecked south of Port Nolloth at Naas Point on the west coast in the Northern Cape in dense fog. The wreck lies high and dry and can be accessed via the shipwreck 4x4 trail.

Although the Border (1947) is slowly rusting away, it is an interesting wreck to see and it is accessible without having to get underwater

1947: George M Livanos, this steam-powered freighter wrecked below the Greenpoint Lighthouse in Cape Town in the Western Cape. Its back broke quickly and fires broke out on board. Most of the cargo of wool and nickel was salvaged at the time.

The Border (1947) is not a particularly large vessel, but it is still something to behold, with its bow still standing proud

1963: Bulwark, this motor-powered coaster wrecked in dense fog west of Danger Point off Gansbaai in the Western Cape.

1979: African Phoenix, this motor-powered freighter was scrapped in Durban in KwaZulu-Natal. Its hull was badly damaged about 650 km north-east of Mauritius, but it managed to make it to Port Elizabeth in Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape. Its cargo was delivered, and it was then taken to Durban where it was scrapped.

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Botswana: Introducing Ker & Downey's Grays Eden Boutique Hotel

Ker & Downey Botswana

INTRODUCING GRAYS EDEN - A NEW LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN MAUN, BOTSWANA

Ker & Downey Botswana is thrilled to announce the development of a new luxury boutique hotel in the safari outpost town of Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta and Ker & Downey Botswana’s well-known circuit of luxury tented camps. Personally built to exacting standards and owned by flamboyant long term Maun residents Sandrine and Sam Morris, Ker & Downey Botswana is proud to partner with Grays Eden, a first of its kind on an idyllic stretch of the seasonal Thamalakane River and will open doors on the 15th of July 2024.

A place of quiet, impeccable service, fine food and wine, the intimate and secluded Grays Eden space offers the weary, yet discerning traveller from afar a place to relax and acclimatize before embarking on their safari or before departing Botswana.

ABOUT GRAYS  EDEN

Featuring thatched, high ceilings and tall archways, the hotel welcomes light and infuses a sense of tranquility and space. Modern, minimalist interiors with a light blue, white and natural palette are accentuated by large, generous verandas overlooking grassy lawns with dappled shade from leadwood and raintrees. The lounge and restaurant terrace flows effortlessly out onto the lawns overlooking the Thamalakane River, where guests may choose to enjoy a seasonal picnic basket with artisanal delights.

Boasting one of finest chefs in Botswana with an emphasis on local produce, The Eden Kitchen and Restaurant presents a varied a la carte menu, tempting the palate with both local and international favourites, inviting conviviality.

Comprised of just 12 individually decored rooms (5 sumptuous Villas and 7 youthful and spirited Cottages), Grays Eden’s rooms all feature generous verandas and light, airy living spaces. A ceiling fan and fireplace assure coolness and warmth, when needed.

Just 10 minutes from Maun Airport, Grays Eden provides a complimentary meet and greet service with vehicle transfers to and from the hotel.

Whether you choose to unwind on a lounger at the high embankment pool overlooking the Thamalakane River, indulge with an in-villa spa treatment after long distance travel or revel in a private culinary and wine experience in the Cliff Wine Cellar, Grays Eden is the perfect addition on the doorstep of the Northern Botswana safari circuit which allows travellers a restful, then seamless transition into or out of their wilderness adventure.

Mailing address: Ker & Downey, PO Box 27, Maun, Botswana

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South Africa: Nautilus, Columbine, Emma, Lord Elgin & Knysna shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

March 31:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1826: Nautilus, this wooden sailing brig wrecked in Table Bay in the Western Cape.

1829: Columbine, this wooden sailing vessel wrecked north of the Cape Columbine Lighthouse off the west coast in the Western Cape. The lighthouse, which was built in 1936, is named after this wreck.

Cape Columbine Lighthouse: the Cape Columbine Lighthouse’s namesake is the nearby wreck of the Columbine (1829). Interestingly, another vessel, the Columbine (1944), a steam-powered merchant ship, was torpedoed about 40 km from this lighthouse on the 16th of June by U-198.

1888: Emma, this wooden sailing vessel wrecked in the Mpekweni River, north of the Fish River lighthouse in the Eastern Cape.

1904: Lord Elgin, this British steel barque struck a rock and foundered in Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape.

1952: Knysna, this motor-powered fishing vessel was scuttled at Cape Recife in Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape.

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South Africa: Montagu, Willem de Zwyger, Lola, Rangatira, Daeyang Family & Cessna 182 crash

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

March 30:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1847: Montagu, this sailing schooner capsized and washed ashore near Slangkop Farm in Kommetjie in the Western Cape. No survivors were found. 

1863: Willem de Zwyger, this wooden sailing barque wrecked at Ryspunt near Arniston/Waenhuiskrans in the Western Cape. It was salvaged in the 1970s and some of the artefacts are on display at the Bredasdorp Shipwreck museum.

1879: Lola, this Swedish sailing barque wrecked in a north-easterly gale in Durban between West Street and Back Beach in KwaZulu-Natal.

1916: Rangatira, this steam-powered cargo ship wrecked off Robben Island in the Western Cape. It ran onto the rocks near the west coast of the Island in dense fog just before high tide. At the time of foundering the ship was going dead slow and the sea appeared calm. When the news reached Cape Town the tugs J W Sauer and Sir Charles Elliot were sent to assist.

The Rangatira (1916) after becoming stranded and being battered by the waves

However, because it was heavily laden, and the tide was falling it was too risky to try and pull it off the rocks. The hull seemed to be intact, and at high tide the following morning attempts were made again to tow it off without success. Shortly hereafter a strong south-easter sprang up, causing a heavy swell which made salvage efforts more difficult. Between the 2nd and the 6th of April, the cargo was salved but the ship’s hull had started leaking badly and it was considered lost. A portion of the hull is still visible today.

1986: Daeyang Family, this Korean motor-powered bulk ore carrier was on a voyage from Brazil to Korea when it dragged its anchors during a storm and wrecked near Robben Island in Table Bay in the Western Cape. It struck Whale Rock, just off Robben Island, which left a massive hole in its side. It is believed to have been one of the biggest ships ever to have wrecked in South African waters with a gross tonnage of 96 760 tons, and a deadweight tonnage of 183 583 tons.

Although some salvage work was undertaken on it shortly after wrecking, it remained relatively intact for a long time. After a massive gale in 1994, it started breaking up. Today, the wreck makes for a lovely dive when conditions are good. There is lots of structure lying on the seabed at around 15-20m, and the engine block sits high on the site, with the top only about 5m from the surface.

1973: A Cessna 182 crashed on this day into the Karkloof mountain range, near Seven Oaks in KwaZulu-Natal after encountering adverse weather conditions and flying more than 60km off course. Two of the four on board survived the initial crash, but with an open-ended flight plan having been logged, the plane was not recorded as being overdue, so no search and rescue operation was ever initiated. Three days later, one of the two surviving passengers succumbed to her injuries and her son, the final survivor, ploughed through the forest, eventually finding forestry workers who took him to a nearby road where he was picked up by veterinary surgeon who took him to a hospital.

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South Africa: Zeepaard, San Antonio, Namaqua I, Shin Yuo Mou 61 & Ocean Surf shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

March 29:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1823: Zeepaard, this 20-gun wooden Dutch corvette was run aground off Cape Recife in Sardinia Bay in the Eastern Cape during the night in a thick fog. It became a total wreck, and eight lives were lost with many survivors being severely injured.

A model of what the Zeepaard (1823) looked like in 1819

Many of its guns were salvaged before the wreck was formally protected and can be found at places in Port Elizabeth, such as Bayworld Museum.

1842: San Antonio, this Portuguese wooden sailing brig (a slaver) wrecked near Hout Bay in the Western Cape.

1876: Namaqua I, this British iron-hulled steam powered coaster wrecked at Island Point, just south of Hondeklipbaai in the Northern Cape. Scattered bits of wreckage are visible today, lying high-and-dry.

What was still visible of the Namaqua I (1876) a few years ago

1976: Shin Yuo Mou 61, this Chinese motor-powered fishing vessel foundered, after an explosion, near Port Nolloth in the Northern Cape.

1979: Ocean Surf, this South African motor-powered fishing trawler’s engine failed, and the anchor could not hold it.

The Ocean Surf (1979) after having run aground

It lead to fast wrecking after being beached on Casuarina Beach near Tongaat in KwaZulu-Natal. Reportedly, one person drowned because of the accident.

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South Africa: Kilbrennan, Istar shipwrecks & SAA Lockheed Lodestar SZ-AST disaster

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

March 28:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1907: Kilbrennan, this steel steam-powered cargo ship wrecked on the Riet Point reef near Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape. It struck the reef and foundered with four lives being lost.

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Sven Eiki-skogr

Three deceased sailors from the Kilbrennan are buried in the dunes behind the Second Sister at Riet Point. They were Chinese and it was considered too costly to repatriate the bodies. Their graves are marked with sandstone rock cairns. They are not always visible as the dunes shift around over time but you’ll know them when you see them. The mast of the wreck used to be visible in the Boiling Pot which is what the bay carved into the Second Sister is known as. Probably the worst possible place to come aground as the water is always turbulent. Pieces of coal from the wreck could be found after rough seas. I’m not sure if this is still the case.

1931: Istar, this steam-powered yacht was scuttled north-east of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal. 

1941: SAA Lockheed Lodestar (registration no. SZ-AST), this passenger transport aircraft, whilst en-route from Windhoek (in modern day Namibia) to Cape Town, crashed into a mountain at Elands Bay in the Western Cape in adverse weather conditions.

A map of the air disaster from an original newspaper clipping (Cape Times, 29 March 1941)

The crew of four and six passengers all perished. One of the passengers was Rear Admiral Guy Hallifax, the first director of the South African Seaward Defense Force, who was responsible for the conversion of more than 80 fishing trawlers to military vessels, which formed the backbone of the South African Navy.

The South African Naval Museum and Naval Heritage Trust erected this small plaque at the crash site in 2021

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South Africa: Horwood, Ivy & Camphill shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

Shipwreck in Namibia

March 27:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1845: Horwood, this British wooden sailing brig wrecked in a south-easterly gale in Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape.

1878: Ivy, this wooden sailing barque wrecked north of the Mtamvuna River Mouth at Port Edward in KwaZulu-Natal in the early hours of the morning. The mate swam ashore with a line, and everyone made it safely off except for one crewman who was washed overboard. Reports claim that the Ivy was wedged high and dry on a tongue of rocks about 55m from the beach. 

1913: Camphill, this steel steam-powered ship wrecked in thick mist just west of the Agulhas Lighthouse in the Western Cape. Three men died when the main steam pipe burst.

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