SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage
January 15:
“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”
1866: Ruby, this sailing schooner wrecked in a strong south-easterly wind at Munro’s Bay in Mossel Bay in the Western Cape.
1934: Paris Maru, this Japanese steam-powered freighter foundered approximately 3 km from the mouth of the Port Elizabeth Harbour towards North End beach in Port Elizabeth in Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape. After striking Roman Rock and filling rapidly with water, an attempt was made to run the ship back to the harbour.
SS Paris Maru (1934) going under in the shipping lane of Port Elizabeth Harbour on the 15th of January 1934
However, the rough seas inhibited this and after a few hours of struggling, eventually the Paris Maru foundered in the shipping lane. The tugs James Searle, Lady Elizabeth, and Ulundi assisted with picking up boats with survivors in it and also attempted to get lines aboard to tow the ship in. After settling on the bottom, the ships masts were still visible, and the decision was made to blow it up as it posed a hazard.
SS Paris Maru (1934) starting to settle after foundering in the Port Elizabeth Harbour shipping lane on the 15th of January 1934
The tug Chubb salved what it could and flattened the ship with dynamite. Today, the wreckage can be seen scattered in an area of about 200 m at a depth of 16 m. The scattered wreckage has created an artificial reef which makes it a popular dive spot.
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com
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