SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage
July 22:
“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”
1870: Nederlansche Vlag, this Dutch barque was lost at sea during a south-westerly gale 50 km off Cape St. Francis in the Eastern Cape. All 12 on board were presumed drowned.
1878: Lady Allen, this vessel lost its rudder in a gale and was abandoned at sea off Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape. It is presumed to have foundered.
1958: Ovambo Coast, this South African coaster/freighter ran aground in thick fog and heavy seas on Marcus Island in Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape. The tug FW Bates attempted to pull it off but was unsuccessful, so it was abandoned and shortly thereafter, broken up by the sea.
Oriental Pioneer (1974) after running aground on Maclear Reef
1974: Oriental Pioneer, this Liberian bulk carrier cracked its hull plating in a heavy swell whilst rounding Cape Agulhas in the Western Cape. With the master fearing for the safety of the ship, he turned it 90 degrees and ran it aground on Maclear reef, about 1 km offshore.
At low tide the engine block of the Oriental Pioneer (1974) breaks the surface
The lighthouse keeper at L'Agulhas, 6.5 km away, reported the grounding before a radio signal was sent out by the vessel. It now lies at about 10 m in depth with its steel structure scattered everywhere. It makes for a popular fishing site, but caution is advised as the engine block is visible above the water line during low tide but lies just below the surface at high tide.
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com
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