SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage
Karimona shipwreck in Namibia
August 7:
“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”
1842: Sabina, this wooden-hulled Spanish frigate wrecked at Cape Recife, almost opposite D’Urban Rock (where the Cape Recife lighthouse was built), in the Eastern Cape in the early hours of the morning. It was in leaking condition and trying to make it into Algoa Bay with its master assuming that they were much further from the coast. In total 22 people either drowned or were crushed by the breaking vessel with 45 survivors making it to shore. All of those who died were buried in the Roman Catholic section of the cemetery on Russel Road. Many of its artefacts were excavated under a National Monument’s Council permit in the 90’s and are now housed in the Bayworld Museum.
1869: Teutonia, this German sailing barque wrecked after its cables parted in Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape.
1879: Alpi, this Italian sailing barque was abandoned after losing its rudder off Mossel Bay in the Western Cape and is presumed to have foundered.
1886: Carlotta B, this wooden-hulled sailing barque struck Albatross Rock off Olifantsbos Point in the Western Cape in the morning and was then driven ashore at Platboom Point to become a total wreck.
1897: Nukteris, this wooden-hulled schooner wrecked after its cables parted in a heavy gale whilst taking on lime at Buffels Bay beach near Cape Point in the Western Cape. Four lives were lost because of the wrecking.
1973: Harvest Del Mar, this South African fishing vessel sank after colliding with the Spanish motor tanker Mostoles about 72 km north-west of Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape. All 15 that were on board lost their lives.
1978: Katsu Maru 25, this Japanese fishing trawler had its port side holed after striking an unidentified object and while being towed to Hout Bay harbour in the Western Cape, it flooded at the entrance to Hout Bay and sank. The Aster was scuttled near it and these two vessels make for a great diving experience together. The Katsu Maru 25 lies on its starboard side and with a maximum depth of 29 m makes for an enjoyable dive pending the intensity of the swell. However, a recent sewerage pipe that exists near these wrecks has made diving more dangerous over the years. Also: Constantia Berg wreck in Hout Bay.
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