SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage
January 17:
The Winston wreck, Namibia
“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”
1722: Amstelveen and Sampson, these two Dutch East Indiaman were on a return journey from Batavia when they encountered storms along the southern African coastline. Reports vary, but it is believed that they foundered in heavy seas, somewhere off Southern Africa’s coastline, most likely offshore, potentially anywhere between Mozambique down to the Eastern Cape. It is speculated that only three men in total survived, who were fortunate enough to be picked up a few hours after the ships were lost.
1972: Oceana Vlei, this fishing vessel foundered after a fire broke out on board, off Slangkop Lighthouse, off Kommetjie on the Cape Peninsula in the Western Cape.
1978: Herlille, this motor-powered fishing vessel foundered south west of the Slangkop lighthouse, off Kommetjie on the Cape Peninsula in the Western Cape. All four that were on board were lost.
2007: Shaka, this South African fishing vessel foundered west of Hout Bay in the Western Cape.
2013: SAAF CASA C-212 Aviocar (registration no. 8020), this turboprop-powered STOL medium cargo aircraft landed heavily on its nosewheel and ran off the runway at Bloemspruit Air Force Base in Bloemfontein in the Free State, coming to rest with severe engine and wing damage. The crew of five were uninjured.
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