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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