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

Saturday, 11 January 2025

South Africa: Benjamin, Royal William, St. Mungo, Charlotte & Piscataqua shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

Unknown ship in Walvis Bay, Namibia

September 20:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1800: Benjamin, this wooden sailing sloop wrecked in Gordon's Bay in False Bay in the Western Cape with the loss of all hands.

1837: Royal William, this wooden sailing schooner wrecked off Green Point in Table Bay in the Western Cape whilst trying to enter Table Bay at night.

1844: St. Mungo, this wooden sailing barque wrecked on the eponymous St. Mungo Point near Cape Agulhas in the Western Cape. Of the 17 strong crew, ten were lost.

1854: Charlotte, this 3-masted wooden sailing troopship wrecked on the rocks near Jetty Street in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. They attempted to enter Table Bay for provisions but due to adverse winds sailed into Algoa Bay and anchored there on the 19th of September. The cables parted in a south-easterly gale at night and although at first it seemed that they would manage to sail out the storm, more of its cables parted and after striking the rocks just below Jetty Street, the entire vessel started breaking up and sinking. The heavy seas inhibited most assistance from the shore and although some lines reached the troopship, owing to the Manby mortar, nobody noticed the wrecking event at first because of the dark. Those that survived managed to cling to the floating wreckage long enough to reach shore. Of the 227 that were on board, 117 lives were lost that day, 18 crewmen, 62 soldiers of the 27th Regiment, 11 women, and all 26 children. The wreck now lies beneath reclaimed land.

1865: Piscataqua, this wooden sailing vessel wrecked in Granger Bay in Table Bay in the Western Cape.

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

Friday, 3 January 2025

South Africa: Albinia, Foam, Elmira & John Barbery shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

Shawnee wreck, Namibia

September 13:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1851: A strong south easterly gale claimed two wooden sailing schooners in the Eastern Cape: 

• Albinia, wrecked in Algoa Bay.

• Foam, wrecked on the east bank of the Buffalo River in East London.

1876: Elmira, this sailing vessel wrecked, 50 km east of East London in the Eastern Cape.

1991: A (name as yet unknown) crayfishing vessel struck the submerged wreck of a lighter and wrecked near Geelbek in the Langebaan Lagoon in the Western Cape. Three lives were lost because of the wrecking.

2009: John Barbery, this fishing trawler sank in Hout Bay harbour in the Western Cape.

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

Saturday, 28 December 2024

South Africa: Bates Family & Christine Marine shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

Skeleton Coast, Namibia

September 6:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1880: Bates Family, this steam-powered ship caught alight and was abandoned on the 2nd of September, to founder four days later on this day, near Cape Agulhas in the Western Cape.

1995: Christine Marine, this fishing vessel was scuttled by the South African Navy south of the Cape Peninsula in the Western Cape.

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

Friday, 15 November 2024

South Africa: Marietta, Shepherd & Aster shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

Zeila shipwreck in Namibia

August 9:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1862: Marietta, this sailing brig wrecked on Woodstock Beach in Table Bay in the Western Cape in the same north-westerly gale that claimed the Kate and the Crystal Palace the day before.

1874: Shepherd, this wooden-hulled sailing barque wrecked after striking the newly constructed Breakwater in Table Bay in the Western Cape.

1997: Aster, this motor powered fishing vessel was scuttled by the Western Province Diving Union to form an artificial reef next to the wreck of the Katsu Maru 25 in Hout Bay in the Western Cape. It lies level in the sand, with its deepest point at about 30 m.

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

Friday, 8 November 2024

South Africa: Mariner & Transvaal shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

Gertrud Woermann, wrecked near Swakopmund, Namibia

August 3:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1860: Mariner, this sailing barque missed its stays and wrecked on the rocks near the Green Point Lighthouse in the Western Cape. The entire crew and all passengers made it off safely, but the captain shot himself and his body had to be removed from the wreck.

1978: Transvaal, this ex-Navy steam powered frigate was scuttled in Smitswinkel Bay in False Bay in the Western Cape to form an artificial reef after it had reached the end point of its usable life. It forms part of the Smitswinkel Bay wreck route along with the Orotava (1983), Elizabeth (1983), Good Hope (1978), and Rockeater (1972).

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

Friday, 25 October 2024

South Africa: Boston Wheelsby & Seegans shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

July 26:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1984: Boston Wheelsby, this fishing vessel was scuttled off Robben Island in Table Bay in the Western Cape.

Seegans (1991) shortly after it wrecked

1991: Seegans, this South African fishing vessel’s anchor cables parted in a north-westerly gale resulting in it wrecking in Gansbaai harbour in the Western Cape.

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

Friday, 18 October 2024

South Africa: Primonguet, Sea Rover, Eaglet & Redbreast shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

Gertrud Woermann wrecked near Swakopmund, Namibia

July 20:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1865: Primonguet, this French steam-powered ship wrecked on the rocks at Green Point in Table Bay in the Western Cape. 

1868: Sea Rover, this British sail-driven wooden barque wrecked after its cables parted in a south-easterly gale near East London in the Eastern Cape. 

1874: Eaglet, this sail-driven schooner wrecked on central beach in Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape.

1878: Redbreast, this British wooden barque wrecked in a north-westerly gale on Woodstock Beach in Table Bay in the Western Cape.

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

Thursday, 3 October 2024

South Africa: Belleisle & Alice shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

July 15: 

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1849: Belleisle/Belle Isle, this wooden-hulled schooner wrecked in a south-easterly gale on rocks in St. Sebastian Bay, near the Breede River mouth in the Western Cape.

A modern day aerial view of the town of Witsand with the Breede River mouth flowing into St. Sebastian Bay

1901: Alice, this vessel wrecked near Woodstock Beach in Table Bay in the Western Cape. Very little is known about it.

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

Tuesday, 1 October 2024

South Africa: Speedy & P X de Wet shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

Kolmanskop shipwreck near Swakopmund, Namibia

July 13:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1842: Speedy, this wooden-hulled schooner wrecked after its cables parted in a north-westerly gale near Woodstock Beach in Table Bay in the Western Cape. The Arion and the Galatea also ran aground during the gale, but they were refloated. The remains of the Speedy now lie beneath reclaimed land.

1972: P X de Wet, this motor-powered vessel ran aground near the mouth of the Boesmans River at Franskraal in the Western Cape. Very little is known about this vessel, and it is possible that it was refloated.

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

Monday, 16 September 2024

South Africa: Padang, Gloria Deo & Shir Yib shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

June 29:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1828: Padang, this wooden Dutch barque ran aground and wrecked on Muizenberg Beach in False Bay in the Western Cape late at night.

1882: Gloria Deo, this Italian barque was lost on a reef close to the Ratel River mouth in the Western Cape.

The remains of the Shir Yib (1970) smashed up against the rocks at high tide, captured in 1995

1970: Shir Yib, this Iranian Crane barge wrecked while under tow by the tug Britonia at Dias Beach near the tip of the Cape Peninsula in the Western Cape.

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

Friday, 13 September 2024

South Africa: Eastern Province, Eastern Empire, Robert Morrow, Stanley & Jeannette shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

Truck wreck in Sperrgebiet, Namibia

June 26:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1865: Eastern Province, this British steam-powered cargo ship wrecked near the mouth of the Ratel River in the Western Cape.

1869: Eastern Empire, this British ship foundered near Struispunt in the Western Cape. Very little is known about it.

1903: Robert Morrow, this wooden British barque ran aground at Mouille Point in Table Bay in the Western Cape and after being refloated it was condemned and its remains were used as a jetty and a crayfish station in Hout Bay.

1904: Stanley, this Norwegian fishing trawler wrecked in the early hours of the morning near the Umkomazi River mouth in KwaZulu-Natal.

1966: Jeannette, this South African fishing vessel struck a submerged object and foundered off Quoin Point in the Western Cape.

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

Wednesday, 11 September 2024

South Africa: Magnolia, Steenbok & Philippine Leader shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

June 24:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1859: Magnolia, this wooden British brig struck a rock near the Knysna Heads in the Western Cape whilst leaving Knysna and subsequently wrecked.

1957: Steenbok, this motor-powered South African handline fishing vessel foundered off Cape Agulhas in the Western Cape.

1973: Philippine Leader, this oil tanker sustained a pump room explosion whilst sailing along the Eastern Cape coastline. The explosion killed six of its crew and split its hull in half.

The Philippine Leader (1973) after the explosion split it in two, with the Dutch tug Poolzee rendering assistance

The stern section sank, but the bow section was towed to Algoa Bay and later to Singapore where it became a barge.

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

Friday, 23 August 2024

South Africa: Elise & Evdokia shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

Irmgard wreck in Luderitz, Namibia

June 12:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1879: Elise, this German schooner wrecked in a south westerly gale near Struisbaai in the Western Cape. 

1979: Evdokia, this Greek cargo ship was run aground to become a wreck, about 10 km east of the Storm’s River Mouth in the Eastern Cape. It had started taking on water when the decision was made to run it aground. Helicopters airlifted most of those on board to safety near Plettenberg Bay, but the captain and five officers remained on board to try and run it back to Algoa Bay. This was however unsuccessful, and the ship had to be run aground off Robbehoek, near the Storm’s River mouth. The six that remained on board lost their lives.

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

Tuesday, 13 August 2024

South Africa: De Drie Gebroeders, British Settler & Trichera shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

Gertrud Woerman wrecked near Swakopmund, Namibia

June 2:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1792: De Drie Gebroeders, this wooden Dutch flute was beached after springing a leak and subsequently became a wreck in Simon's Bay in False Bay in the Western Cape.

1850: British Settler, this South African schooner disappeared during a severe storm just outside of Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape on the 2nd of June. A woman and a man washed ashore near Jacobs Bay with the tickets in their pockets allowing the authorities to conclude that the vessel must have foundered.

1905: Trichera, this iron German barquentine was lost about 1.5 km south of the Greenpoint Lighthouse near Scottburgh in KwaZulu-Natal. It was lost during one of the worst storms to hit the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. The captain and eight of the crew drowned and the vessel’s cargo of 80 000 railway sleepers littered the beach afterwards.

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

Tuesday, 30 July 2024

South Africa: Emperor Alexander, Fusilier & Kakapo shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

May 25:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1835: Emperor Alexander, this wooden sailing vessel was condemned in Table Bay in the Western Cape. It had reportedly run aground at the Cape of Good Hope.

1865: Fusilier, this British sail-driven ship (rigging unknown) wrecked at the Bluff in Durban in KwaZulu-Natal. It entered Durban looking for medical supplies and water as smallpox had broken out on board and claimed the lives of almost 200 people. Whilst anchored, its cables parted in a north-easterly gale and although sail was successfully made, it struck the rocks at the foot of the Bluff and wrecked. In total 20 Indian emigrants lost their lives when the ship went down. The survivors were quarantined at the Old Fort and guarded by the 99th Regiment.

1900: Kakapo, this steam-powered British freighter ran aground and wrecked at the southern end of Long Beach near Kommetjie on the southern peninsula in the Western Cape.

The Kakapo (1900) in 2023

It was on its maiden voyage, being delivered to its new owners, from England to Australia. During poor visibility in a north westerly gale, the captain reportedly mistook Chapman’s Peak for Cape Point and ran hard aground on to the beach.

The Kakapo (1900) in 2014

There was no loss of life as the crew came ashore safely. The captain refused to answer questions as to what led to the incident and did not let people on board. Several attempts were made to refloat the freighter at the time, but it proved impossible. There were rumours that someone lived on board for a few years afterwards as smoke could sometimes be seen coming from the funnel.

The Kakapo (1900) being swallowed by the sands, exact date unknown

Gradually though, winter storms pushed the vessel further inland. Later on, its steel plating was removed by the railway board after World War I and this was erected on Fish Hoek beach as a barrier to stop sand from blowing onto the railway lines. Today, the Kakapo’s structure remains visible, in situ, near where it wrecked, with the boiler and ribs a prominent sight. Locals and tourists alike can often be found posing around the remains, but caution is advised as the area is considered a high-crime area.

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

Wednesday, 24 July 2024

South Africa: La Maréchale, Meridian, La Souvenance & Basuto Coast shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

May 19:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1660: La Maréchale, this wooden French sailing sloop wrecked in Table Bay in the Western Cape. It arrived on the 9th of May, but by the 16th, a north-westerly picked up which turned to a gale by the 18th. Then, on this day, all three of its anchor cables parted and it ran aground near the Salt river mouth. Although attempts were made to launch its boats and rafts, these were carried away as soon as they hit the water. A cask floated ashore containing letters which begged the VOC for help. Van Riebeeck sent assistance and by the following day, all on board were brought to safety and its cargo salved, with its cannons being used at the Castle. Some of its timbers were salved and used for construction before the remainder of the remains were burned on the 5th of March 1662. All members of the crew joined the service of the VOC and some of the passengers spent an entire year at the Cape before finding passage back to Europe. As far as we are aware, this is the only 17th Century French wreck on our coastline.

1828: Meridian, this wooden British sailing brig was lost on the East side of Silversand Bay, in Betty’s Bay in the Western Cape. It had come into Simon’s Bay for repairs and when it left for Table Bay, it somehow managed to wreck on the other side of False Bay.

1871: La Souvenance, this wooden French sailing barque wrecked on a reef near the Ratel River mouth in the Western Cape. After searching for several days for the wreck, it was eventually found after bodies had started to wash up on the nearby beaches. Not one survivor of the 420 people that were on board was found.

1954: Basuto Coast, this motor-powered South African coaster ran aground and wrecked during a storm at the swimming pool pavilion in Sea Point in the Western Cape.

The Basuto Coast (1954) after it ran aground

The vessel was cut up and removed within a few weeks. The wrecking resulted in the loss of one life, a fireman who fell off a ladder and drowned whilst trying to rescue those on board.

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

Friday, 5 July 2024

South Africa: De Visch, Ulundi II & Larkspur shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

May 6:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1740: De Visch, this Dutch East Indiaman ran ashore at night while attempting to come to anchor in a stiff gale near the Green Point lighthouse in Table Bay in the Western Cape.

A painting depicting the wrecking event of De Visch (1740), by Jürgen Leewenberg in 1740, housed in the National Library of South Africa

Accounts of the casualties differ, with some claiming that the sick on board, who were below decks drowned along with one other person, and another account claims that only two men and a boy drowned. Today, granite blocks, that were part of the cargo, can still be seen littered at the wreck site.

1927: Ulundi II, this composite British steam-powered tug was scuttled south west of Cape Recife in the Eastern Cape.

The Ulundi II (1927) ferrying passengers around 1903 in Algoa Bay

1976: Larkspur, this South African fishing vessel was scuttled by the South African Navy during a naval exercise off the Cape Peninsula in the Western Cape.

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

Friday, 28 June 2024

South Africa: Gentoo, President Steyn & Millie shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

April 29:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1846: Gentoo, this wooden American sailing ship (unknown rigging) wrecked late at night, west of de Mond in the Western Cape. Reports vary, but the loss of life was between three and nine people.

The SAS President Steyn (1991), shortly after being struck by a missile during its scuttling in 1991, 30 years after being launched. Interestingly the picture of the SAS President Steyn being hit by a missile was taken through the periscope of a SA Navy Daphne Class submarine

1991: President Steyn, this steam-powered South African frigate was scuttled off Cape Point in the Western Cape by missiles and gunfire from strike crafts during a naval exercise. The President Steyn was meant to have been scuttled in 1982 after having been stripped, but the accidental loss of the President Kruger that year provided it with a renewed life, and it was placed in reserve instead.

The SAS President Steyn (1991) on the river Clyde in Glasgow, shortly after being launched in 1961

Fiscal constraints inhibited restoring the President Steyn though, and in 1991 on this day, the frigate was scuttled with three missiles and gunfire from five strike crafts.

2002: Millie, this South African fishing vessel was lost at sea off Hout Bay in the Western Cape along with its crew of six.

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