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.
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| 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.
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