Showing posts with label Cape Town. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cape Town. Show all posts

Saturday, 18 January 2025

South Africa: Cape Town crowned Best City in the World for 2025 by Time Out

Cape Town crowned Best City in the World for 2025 by Time Out

Time Out, the global culture, entertainment, and events magazine, has unveiled its annual ranking of the world's best cities. For the 2025 edition, over 18,500 locals shared their thoughts on their hometowns, rating everything from food and nightlife to safety and overall livability. These local insights were combined with expertise from Time Out’s global network of city editors. After analyzing the data, the magazine revealed its list of the 50 best cities on the planet for 2025.

Topping the list is Cape Town, South Africa, which earned glowing reviews across the board. An impressive 97% of residents said the city makes them happy, 95% praised its vibrant food scene, and 82% celebrated its breathtaking beauty.

"Where else in the world can you hang out with a colony of African penguins, taste some of the world’s finest wines, stroll along Blue Flag beaches, enjoy stunning views from atop one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, and sample some of the most eclectic nightlife and vibes in the world… all in one day? That’s our Cape Town."

Time Out’s 50 best cities in the world 2025:

Cape Town, South Africa

Bangkok, Thailand

New York, USA

Melbourne, Australia

London, UK

New Orleans, USA

Mexico City, Mexico

Porto, Portugal

Shanghai, China

Copenhagen, Denmark

Chicago, USA

Lisbon, Portugal

Edinburgh, UK

Hong Kong

Sydney, Australia

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Barcelona, Spain

Seville, Spain

Paris, France

Medellín, Columbia

Hanoi, Vietnam

Madrid, Spain

Berlin, Germany

Dubai, UAE

Singapore

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Beijing, China

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Jakarta, Indonesia

Vienna, Austria

Tokyo, Japan

Marrakech, Morocco

Perth, Australia

Brighton, UK

Prague, Czech Republic

Glasgow, UK

Brisbane, Australia

Marseille, France

Budapest, Hungary

Los Angeles, USA

Lagos, Nigeria

Seoul, South Korea

Valencia, Spain

Montreal, Canada

Bilbao, Spain

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Belfast, UK

Bristol, UK

Mumbai, India

Warsaw, Poland

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com
Telegram: ExploringNamibia

Tuesday, 7 January 2025

South Africa: Bengal & South American shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

September 17:

“This day in our shipwreck History”

1840: Bengal, this British wooden sailing barque wrecked on Blaauwbergstrand in Table Bay in the Western Cape after missing its stays while entering the bay at night.

1889: South American, this sailing vessel was an American ship of 1694 tons built in 1876 in Boston. The ship was wrecked on 17 September 1889 in Struisbaai in thick fog with the loss of one life. The vessel was travelling from Manilla to Boston with a cargo of sugar which was reportedly strewn along the beach after the wrecking.

In 2020 SAHRA was called to the beach at De Mond, Struisbaai after a large piece of wreckage was exposed lying in the vicinity of the known wreck of the Mackay. During the site visit the wreckage was surveyed, the visible structure was at least 45 m in length and 5.7 m wide but it was difficult to determine the exact dimensions as it was buried under the sand.

The pieces of timber had large iron nails protruding from them, the size of the nails together with the wood indicates that this would have been a large vessel. During a previous survey of the area undertaken as part of a master’s degree project in 2006 by Jaco Boshoff, a large keelson was partially excavated at the same location as the above wreckage, due to its size and location the wreck was tentatively identified as that of the South American as it is the only one of its size that wrecked in the area.

The wreckage continues to be exposed during strong tides and spring lows, the most recent images were taken at the beginning of September 2024.

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com
Telegram: ExploringNamibia

Tuesday, 31 December 2024

South Africa: Bella Angela, G M Tucker & SBA 305 shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

Shawnee wreck south of Walvis Bay, Namibia

September 10:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1844: Bella Angela, this wooden sailing barque was captured by the HMS Dolphin and started being broken up in Table Bay in the Western Cape on this day, with its hull and fittings auctioned off on the 27th of September.

1895: G M Tucker, this vessel wrecked in the Old Harbour on the Buffalo River in East London in the Eastern Cape. Very little is known about this vessel.

1960: SBA 305, this barge wrecked off the Railway Jetty in Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape during rough weather.

2004: A Ryan Blake Air Charter Fairchild SA228-AC Metro III (registration no. ZS-OLS) was forced into making an emergency landing on a farm near George Airport in the Western Cape after encountering a bird strike which resulted in the loss of the right engine during the landing approach. Both pilots survived but the plane was damaged beyond repair.

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com
Telegram: ExploringNamibia

Sunday, 29 December 2024

South Africa: Rachel, Aurora, Congella, Hogni & Seli 1 shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

Skeleton Coast, Namibia

September 8:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1854: Rachel, this sailing schooner foundered in Hondeklip Bay in Namaqualand in the Northern Cape. Very little is known about this vessel.

1875: Aurora, this wooden sailing cutter wrecked south east of Cape Recife in the Eastern Cape.

1903: Congella, this steam-powered ship wrecked in the outer anchorage of East London in the Eastern Cape.

1936: Hogni, this steel steam-powered whaler was scuttled just beyond the three-mile limit, off the coast of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal. Its scuttling was observed by 160 spectators on board the SS Panther.

2009: Seli 1, this Panamanian bulk carrier was driven ashore at Bloubergstrand in Table Bay in the Western Cape just after midnight in a strong westerly. It had suffered an engine failure and whilst at anchorage, a strong westerly picked up and blew it from its anchorage. The crew of 25 were promptly rescued by the NSRI and the Seli 1 sustained structural damage. Salvage operations attempted to remove the 600,000 litres of oil onboard the ship and over the years the SAMSA slowly removed parts of the wreck before it disappeared below the water in 2013. An oil spill that occurred during the salvage work reportedly resulted in the slicking of 219 birds.

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com
Telegram: ExploringNamibia

Wednesday, 18 December 2024

South Africa: Abercrombie Robinson, Waterloo, Geortryder, Nundeeps, Lindo, Erica 7 Stralenberg shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

August 28:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1842: A fierce north-westerly gale hit Table Bay in the Western Cape resulting in several vessels being grounded, such as the Hamilton Ross and possibly the Saldanha Bay packet. However, the wrecking of the Abercrombie Robison and the Waterloo were the most prominent:

The Abercrombie Robinson was a troop transport ship on its way from Dublin, Ireland to Algoa Bay with over 600 troops and crew as well as 80 women and children on board. The Waterloo was a convict transport ship on its way from England to Australia with 304 people on board consisting of 219 convicts, 36 crew, 31 guards, 5 women and 13 children. Both vessels were driven ashore near each other, at the Salt River mouth, in Table Bay. While the Abercrombie Robinson was a sound vessel, the Waterloo was an old ship and began to break up rapidly.

Most of the people onshore were focused on rendering aid to the Abercrombie Robinson as it was the first ship to run into trouble and signal for assistance, with the plight of the Waterloo at first going unnoticed. The Abercrombie Robinson was sound enough to enable all of those on board to be rescued and it has been said that the discipline of those on board assisted in the successful rescue. However, by the time attention was shifted to the Waterloo it had broken up to such an extent that it was dangerous for rescue boats to approach.

The desperate cries for help could be heard from the shore but unable to help, the would-be rescuers could only stand and watch as it broke apart and many of the souls on board disappeared beneath the big waves. A few boats helped rescue some survivor while others were able to swim ashore through raging seas, but the loss of life was enormous, particularly among the convicts who were kept below decks until the last moment; 143 drowned, with fourteen members of the crew, fifteen of the 99th Regiment, four soldiers’ wives and fourteen soldiers’ children.

Waterloo wrecking

Cape Town was rocked by a tragedy of this scale and the British Admiralty came under scrutiny for the use of a ship in such a bad condition. It was reported that the ship was known to be rotten and leaking badly, the dampness and appalling conditions resulted in to an outbreak of scurvy. The public outcry in the aftermath of the event led to the people of Cape Town to raise money for the building of a suitable lifeboat and rescue apparatus, the first thereof in the Cape.

Waterloo wrecking

1849: Geortryder/Geertryda, this vessel was abandoned near Agulhas Point in the Western Cape with it later being driven ashore and disappearing beneath the waves.

1868: Nundeeps, this wooden-hulled schooner wrecked in a south-easterly gale at the Buffalo River Mouth in East London in the Eastern Cape.

1913: Lindo, this Norwegian barque disappeared after leaving Durban in KwaZulu-Natal.

1958: Erica, this motor powered fishing vessel ran aground and wrecked on Robben Island in Table Bay in the Western Cape.

1970: Stralenberg, this South African fishing vessel foundered in the East London harbour in the Eastern Cape and was later blown up by the SA Navy.

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com
Telegram: ExploringNamibia

Sunday, 24 November 2024

South Africa: Corsair & Patty shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

Kolmanskop wreck near Swakopmund, Namibia

August 17:

“This day in our shipwreck history”

1833: Corsair, this wooden-hulled sailing schooner disappeared whilst en route from Cape Town in the Western Cape to Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape. It was last seen on this day and is presumed to have foundered somewhere along the route.

1991: Patty, this luxury yacht foundered within minutes after a fire broke out in the engine compartment just outside of Hout Bay in the Western Cape.

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com
Telegram: ExploringNamibia

Friday, 22 November 2024

South Africa: rubber bales along the beaches

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

August 15:

If you have walked along Blouberg Beach over the last few days  heading towards Eerstesteen you may have come across a strange object lying in the surf. It is a rubber bale, one of many to have been washed up along our coast over the last few years though this is the first to be reported in Cape Town. Most of the other reported bales have been found along the South Coast, Mossel Bay, Knysna, Port Elizabeth, Sedgefield and the Cape St Francis area, though a few have been washed up along the West Coast near Paternoster.

They are thought to come from the British freighter 'Helmspey', which was torpedoed 11 miles south of Cape St Francis by a German submarine (U-516) on 11 February 1943. The ship was allegedly transporting around 1 457 tons of these rubber bales from Ceylon to the UK. There is also a chance that some of these bales come from the British merchant ship 'Boringia' which was carrying a cargo of rubber bales from South East Asia when she  was torpedoed and sunk by U-boat (U-159) on 7th October 1942 far off the Western Cape.

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com
Telegram: ExploringNamibia

Thursday, 14 November 2024

South Africa: Elephant, Le Cygne, Swiftsure, Kate, Crystal Palace, Buffalo, Natalia & Fontao shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

Zeila shipwreck in Namibia

August 8:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1750: Elephant, this wooden-hulled Danish East Indiaman wrecked at the Gouritz River mouth in the Western Cape. The crew experienced hardship on the return journey from the East, with many falling ill. It was eventually decided to attempt to get the vessel to Mossel Bay but it was instead run aground at the mouth of the Gouritz River. The crew of 65 were all rescued by local farmers, and they travelled overland back to Cape Town.

1840: Le Cygne, this French wooden-hulled brigantine entered Table Bay late at night and ran aground near Paarden Island in the Western Cape and was later condemned. One man died because of the wrecking.

1847: Swiftsure, this wooden-hulled schooner wrecked during a strong north-westerly gale in Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape.

1862: A north-westerly gale in Table Bay resulted in the fouling of several vessels and the wrecking of three. On this day, two wooden hulled barques wrecked, and the following day would see another vessel wrecked:

• Kate, wrecked near the Salt River mouth.

• Crystal Palace, wrecked on Woodstock beach.

1889: Buffalo, this iron-hulled paddle-driven steam-powered tug wrecked after striking the sand bar in the Kowie River in Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape whilst trying to assist the USS Saxon. The remains are often visible about 3 km up the river at ‘Buffalo Bend’.

1955: Natalia, this motor-powered fishing vessel was scuttled in Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape.

1963: A SAAF Avro Shackleton MR 3 (registration no. 1718/K) crashed on this day in the Stetteynskloof Valley just north east of Franschhoek in the Western Cape with the loss of all 14 crew. It was on its way to conduct a military exercise with the Royal Navy submarine HMS Alliance, having flown into, as the investigation board described, atrocious weather conditions, with a low icing height. The board held the captain solely responsible as he disobeyed direct orders by routing overland instead of oversea as was decided in the flight briefing. The crash site was discovered the following day as the weather made searches incredibly difficult.

1991: Fontao, this fishing vessel was scuttled south of the Umhlanga Lighthouse in KwaZulu-Natal by the Oceanographic Research Institute to form an artificial reef to study the rate at which wrecks are colonised by marine organisms. The remains are claimed to make for one of the best dives in South Africa with the deepest section lying around 27 m in depth and the top at about 17 m.

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com
Telegram: ExploringNamibia

Thursday, 31 October 2024

Namibia: Mother city access: Cape Town - Windhoek

Mother city access: Windhoek - Cape Town

The first FlySafair, a low cost South African airline, flight from Cape Town landed at the Hosea Kutako International Airport today for the first time.

The flight marks the first regional route for FlySafair and it is encouraging to see the route becomes operational before the coming holiday season.

The route will run weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays and offers an affordable option for travellers with tickets starting from only N$2 000.

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com
Telegram: ExploringNamibia

Tuesday, 22 October 2024

South Africa: Maria, Etta Loring & Lys de Bretagne Cameret shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

Unidentified, Namibia

July 23:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1817: Maria, this brig was lost near Robben Island in Table Bay in the Western Cape. Very little is known about this vessel. 

1878: Etta Loring, this American barque was driven ashore during a lasting north-westerly gale on Woodstock Beach in Table Bay in the Western Cape. It came into Table Bay on the 18th of May for repairs. It was finally repaired and seaworthy again by July, but the lasting north-westerly gale had it dragging its anchor for four days before it was finally driven ashore where it wrecked on Woodstock Beach on this day.

1967: Lys de Bretagne Cameret, this French trawler wrecked near the Salt River mouth in Table Bay in the Western Cape after breaking its moorings.

2011: A SAAF Cessna 208 Caravan (registration no. 3009) landed down slope and flipped over, crashing at Kei Mouth in the Eastern Cape. The only reported injury was that the pilot had injured her hand.

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com
Telegram: ExploringNamibia

Sunday, 20 October 2024

South Africa: Top 6 Cape Town beaches

6 Top “secret” beaches you should visit in Cape Town

If you go to the beach for the sole purpose of relaxing, but you’re not too fond of the crowdedness getting in the way of you fully winding down - this list of secluded beaches in Cape Town is for you. With warmer temperatures ahead of us, it’s a good time to visit some of Cape Town’s less crowded beaches. Here’s our top picks of lesser-trodden shores.

Safety tip: Don’t travel to secluded beaches alone - bring a friend or two.

Bakoven (Beta Beach and Bali Beach)

Located between Camps Bay and Llandudno, Bakoven has a series of bays and pools that can’t accommodate large crowds due to their small size. Bakoven has two idyllic spots worth checking out - Beta Beach and Bali Beach. Bakoven is like your own paradise for the day where you can just enjoy the peace and quiet with stunning views of Camps Bay, Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles - not forgetting the sunset. The beaches offer a chance for sunbathing, boulder-hopping and picnicking.

Saunders Rock Beach

While most small beaches and rock pools along Sea Point Promenade are quite exposed and busy, Saunders Rock Beach is a slightly off the crowd’s radar. This beach is the perfect example of a city beach as it is located close to restaurants and easily accessible. If you want to cool down, there is a gorge between the rocks for safe dips.

Diaz Beach

This beach is a bit famous but still remains undisturbed, as only a few daily visitors know about it. Diaz Beach is one of Cape Town’s beautiful beaches that make for an unforgettable experience. Situated at the tip of Cape Point, Diaz Beach is surrounded by high cliffs, crashing waves, and sheer beauty. Since swimming is prohibited due to strong rip currents, rather just wet your feet.

Milnerton Beach

Milnerton Beach is a long stretch of clean shores with fantastic views of Table Mountain. This beach is open to dog walking, beach games (volleyball, frisbee, etc), sunbathing, kite-surfing, and watching ships passing by.

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is the secret alternative to Melkbos and Blouberg’s Big Bay and the perfect spot to get a view of Table Mountain and sunset. Not only that, but its also good for swimming, picnicking and sunbathing.

Scarborough Beach

One could say what makes this beach clear of crowds is the stretchy drive from the city. If you enjoy a mini road trip, then you’ll enjoy making your way to Scarborough Beach located just outside of the Cape Point Nature Reserve. Scarborough Beach offers rock pools for exploring, a spot for windsurfing and kite-flying, and ample space to play. As this beach is prone to rip currents, caution should be taken when going for a dip.

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com
Telegram: ExploringNamibia

Tuesday, 8 October 2024

Spar suspends Namibian product following 3 deaths in RSA

Spar suspends Namibian product following 3 deaths in RSA

Spar management in South Africa has taken the precautionary step of removing Namibian-produced vanilla-flavored Top Score porridge from their shelves following the tragic deaths of three children in various locations across South Africa who allegedly consumed the product.

The children, aged between 3 and 5, reportedly fell ill after ingesting the porridge, leading to serious health complications. The specific areas affected include Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town, where local health authorities are investigating the incidents.

In an internal communiqué dated 28 September, Spar announced that they are currently awaiting forensic results from laboratory tests conducted on the product. As part of their safety protocol, all stock of Top Score porridge at distribution centers has been identified and suspended from further distribution to ensure customer safety.

“We appreciate your understanding and support as we work together to prioritize the health and well-being of our customers. The safety of our community is our top priority, and we will provide updates as soon as the test results are available. We will advise if any further action is necessary,” stated Spar in their communiqué.

Local health officials have urged parents to refrain from purchasing the product until the investigation is complete, emphasizing the importance of monitoring children's health closely and reporting any adverse reactions.

As investigations continue, both Spar and the Ministry of Health are committed to ensuring consumer safety and will take necessary actions based on the findings of the forensic tests.

Amidst these developments, some may speculate about the competitive market for Namibian products in South Africa. With competition already extremely high, particularly among South African local brands like Oats 4 Breakfast and Nutriblast, there is hope that this incident is not an attempt of economic sabotage to undermine Namibian products and negatively impact sales in the RSA.

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com
Telegram: ExploringNamibia

Wednesday, 25 September 2024

South Africa: Oklahoman, Nerine & Zulu shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

July 7:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1942: Oklahoman, this American steam-powered ship foundered near Robben Island in Table Bay in the Western Cape after sustaining damage. After running aground on Dassen Island in thick fog and being refloated, the tug T S McEwan was dispatched from Cape Town to render assistance. They found it steaming for Cape Town at full speed with flooded forward compartments. Eventually this caused its propeller to lift out of the water and although a towing attempt was made, it foundered just north-west of Robben Island on this day. Because it sank intact, it set off several submarine alarms and was therefore blown-up using depth charges.

The survivors from the Zulu (1971) being taken on board the Ovambo

1961: Nerine, this South African motor-powered fishing vessel was scuttled off Robben Island in Table Bay in the Western Cape. The Nerine was the fishing vessel captained by Hendrick Goosen that trawled the first Coelacanth in 1938 that was eventually identified by Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer and Professor James Smith.

What is believed to be the last photo of the Zulu (1971) before it went down

1971: Zulu (though usually remembered under its previous name of Zulu Coast II), this South African coaster foundered after a collision with its consort, the Ovambo II, in thick fog, south of Cape Columbine off the west coast in the Western Cape.

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com
Telegram: ExploringNamibia

Friday, 26 July 2024

South Africa: De Buys, Duinbeek, Flora, Goudriaan, Iepenrode, Paddenburg, Rodenrijs, Victoria, Westerwijk, Adele, Oakburn & Araxos shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

May 21:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1737: A north-westerly gale in Table Bay resulted in the wrecking of eight homeward bound, heavily laden Dutch East Indiaman vessels. These wrecks resulted in the combined loss of approximately 208 lives and £160,000 (a lot more in today’s money) worth of cargo. It is believed that this event’s heavy loss of life and cargo fuelled the need for the construction of Cape Town’s breakwater:

• De Buys, was driven ashore and wrecked near the Salt River mouth after its cables parted with only five survivors.

• Duinbeek, wrecked near the Salt River mouth with only a handful of survivors (exact number varies by source).

• Flora, wrecked near the Salt River mouth with only six of the crew of 140 surviving.

• Goudriaan, wrecked in the Salt River mouth without a loss of life.

• Iepenrode/Ypenrode, wrecked near the Salt River mouth with many lives being lost (exact number unknown but most sources list that the loss of life was great).

• Paddenburg, wrecked near the Salt River mouth with most of the crew surviving. A giant wave threw the Paddenburg over the other vessels that wrecked in the vicinity.

• Rodenrijs, wrecked near the Salt River mouth with the loss of six lives.

• Victoria, wrecked on Woodstock beach with nearly all the crew surviving. It was the smallest of the vessels that wrecked in the gale as it served as a packet in the Cape.

• Westerwijk, wrecked near the Salt River mouth with only a few lives being lost (exact number unknown).

1888: Adele, this South African sailing schooner's cables parted while loading guano and it ran ashore, wrecking on Dyer Island in the Western Cape.

1906: Oakburn, this steam-powered British cargo ship wrecked at 06:30 in thick fog due to a strong inset current near Duiker Point in the Western Cape. Two lives were lost during the wrecking event.

The Oakburn (1906) going under

On the 27th of June, 1994, the BOS 400 wrecked on top of the where the wreck of the Oakburn lies in Maori Bay. The Oakburn is deteriorating fast, with the BOS 400 slowly falling apart above it, and there is usually a strong surge, so much care should be taken when planning a dive on the site. The maximum depth on the Oakburn is about 22 m with many sections of the bow, and boilers still visible amongst the more modern wreckage of the BOS 400.

Structure of the Oakburn (1906) visible underneath the BOS 400

1972: Margaret A, this motor-powered South African fishing vessel ran aground and was lost near Morgan’s Bay in the Eastern Cape.

1979: Araxos, this motor-powered Greek freighter was scrapped in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape because of a fire that broke out in the crew’s quarters.

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com
Telegram: ExploringNamibia

Monday, 24 June 2024

South Africa: Susan Pardew, Hampton Court, Jimmy le Roux, Kilfenora & Spiffero shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

Karimona shipwreck in Namibia

April 28:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1872: Susan Pardew, this wooden British barque wrecked in Mossel Bay between the Great Brak River and the town of Mossel Bay in the Western Cape.

1881: Hampton Court, this vessel started leaking at sea west of East London but arrived at Cape Town in the Western Cape on the 27th where it was condemned the next day (on this day).

1938: Jimmy le Roux, this motor-powered fishing vessel wrecked on Dyer Island in the Western Cape.

1940: Kilfenora, this South African tanker was lost after its mooring lines broke during a south-easterly gale. It ran aground on Schaapen Island in Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape and became a wreck. In 1974 it was removed as it was a shipping hazard.

1984: Spiffero, this yacht was the last vessel to be claimed by the strong winds and rough seas of the Vasco da Gama race to East London. In the early hours of the morning of the 27th it rolled and was extensively damaged, with almost the entire top deck being destroyed. A May Day radio signal was sent via a jerry-rigged radio and was heard by a nearby vessel, the Libreville. It was found just before nightfall on the 28th by a ‘Kuswag’ vessel. Although it was being towed back, the Spiffero sank because of the damage it had sustained. The ‘Kuswag’ vessel that had left to fetch it had to be towed into East London by another ‘Kuswag’ vessel because of sustaining damage whilst bumping into the Spiffero whilst towing it in the rough seas.

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com
Telegram: ExploringNamibia

Saturday, 22 June 2024

South Africa: Nant-Y-Glo, Finland, Silver Ocean, Rubicon, Anemone & Starfish shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

April 26:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1872: Nant-Y-Glo, this wooden British barque wrecked on the eastern side of the Buffalo River in East London in the Eastern Cape with the loss of one life.

1887: Finland, this British steam-powered cargo ship ran ashore and wrecked near the Great Fish Point lighthouse in the Eastern Cape at 18:30. All the cargo was auctioned off over the coming months and the only thing that could not be saved was the hull.

The Finland (1887) after it ran aground

1941: President Burgers, this Lockheed Lodestar (registration no. ZA-ATH), a twin engine aircraft, was being delivered and whilst landing at the Wingfield Airport in Cape Town, it crashed upon landing, being damaged beyond repair. The crew of three were uninjured.

1970: Silver Ocean, this Liberian oil tanker experienced an explosion on board and a fire broke out, with it breaking in two and the fore section sinking on the 17th of April, and the aft section sinking on this day, about 200 km northeast of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal. Fourteen crew members lost their lives.

1984: Rubicon, this yacht disappeared off the east coast during the Vasco da Gama race to East London with its entire crew being lost. A 60 knot westerly started blowing that would go on to claim a further three vessels during the race.

2005: Anemone, this South African fishing trawler was scuttled, off Grotto Bay, off the west coast in the Western Cape.

2014: Starfish, this South African fishing vessel sprang a leak and foundered off Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape.

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com
Telegram: ExploringNamibia