South Africa: Derby, Jacaranda, Cape of Good Hope & Sensation shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

April 27:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1895: Derby, this wooden Norwegian barque wrecked between Oyster Bay and Cape St Franics in the Eastern Cape. It sprang a leak in heavy weather and its pumps were not functional. The crew insisted that it be beached as they were exhausted from manually moving the water. It was beached at Thys Bay and became a total wreck. Four of the crew returned to the vessel to salvage some goods and drowned.

The Derby (1895) being worked on in a dry dock, location and date unknown

1967: Jacaranda, this motor-powered South African fishing vessel got stuck on the bar of the Breede River mouth in the Western Cape and wrecked.

1984: During the Vasco da Gama race to East London, a 60 knot westerly started blowing on the 26th. It continued into the 27th and claimed two further vessels on this day:

• Cape of Good Hope, this yacht was struck by a wave which rolled it and led to it foundering within 8 minutes. All on board made it to the life raft and were rescued by a SAAF helicopter.

The Sensation (1984) lying battered on the rocks at the Daza River mouth after being flung high and dry by the powerful waves

• Sensation, this yacht tacked close to the shore and with both sail and motor running, could not make against the powerful waves. Eventually the waves threw it onto the rocks by the Daza River mouth, just north of the Msikaba River mouth in the Eastern Cape.

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South Africa: Nant-Y-Glo, Finland, Silver Ocean, Rubicon, Anemone & Starfish shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

April 26:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1872: Nant-Y-Glo, this wooden British barque wrecked on the eastern side of the Buffalo River in East London in the Eastern Cape with the loss of one life.

1887: Finland, this British steam-powered cargo ship ran ashore and wrecked near the Great Fish Point lighthouse in the Eastern Cape at 18:30. All the cargo was auctioned off over the coming months and the only thing that could not be saved was the hull.

The Finland (1887) after it ran aground

1941: President Burgers, this Lockheed Lodestar (registration no. ZA-ATH), a twin engine aircraft, was being delivered and whilst landing at the Wingfield Airport in Cape Town, it crashed upon landing, being damaged beyond repair. The crew of three were uninjured.

1970: Silver Ocean, this Liberian oil tanker experienced an explosion on board and a fire broke out, with it breaking in two and the fore section sinking on the 17th of April, and the aft section sinking on this day, about 200 km northeast of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal. Fourteen crew members lost their lives.

1984: Rubicon, this yacht disappeared off the east coast during the Vasco da Gama race to East London with its entire crew being lost. A 60 knot westerly started blowing that would go on to claim a further three vessels during the race.

2005: Anemone, this South African fishing trawler was scuttled, off Grotto Bay, off the west coast in the Western Cape.

2014: Starfish, this South African fishing vessel sprang a leak and foundered off Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape.

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South Africa: Hotbank, Fairholme, Doryssa & Rooijantjies Fontein shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

April 25:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1873: Hotbank, this British wooden snow sprang a leak after striking an object and was subsequently run ashore, where it wrecked, at Cape Recife in Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape.

1888: Fairholme, this iron British sailing vessel was abandoned after catching fire off Cape Agulhas. The crew had been taken off by the German barque Olga and it eventually sank approximately 1.5 km west of Knysna Heads in the Western Cape. The wreck site can be dived and is around 10m in depth but requires a very calm ocean due to the strong currents.

1943: Doryssa, this British motor-powered petroleum tanker was sunk by the Italian submarine Leonardo da Vinci about 450 km South-south-west of Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. A total of 53 people died during the event and 9 were rescued by the whaler Southern Breeze and landed in Cape Town. This would be the final vessel claimed by the Leonardo da Vinci. It was sunk by the HMS Active and HMS Ness with a depth charge, almost 500 km out at sea, on the 23rd May on its way to Bordeaux.

Doryssa (1943), anchored in Table Bay, date unknown

1989: Rooijantjies Fontein, this South African fishing vessel capsized and sank off Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape with the loss of one life.

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Namibia: The Serenade of the Seas docked at Walvis Bay harbour

The Serenade of the Seas: Docked at Walvis Bay

Today marks a momentous occasion as the magnificent Serenade of the Seas, a splendid and awe-inspiring vessel owned by the Royal Caribbean Group, graces Namibian shores.

Namibia, a country renowned for its beautiful scenery and vibrant culture, offers a treasure trove of experiences. From the towering dunes of the Namib Desert to the diverse wildlife of Etosha National Park, there's no shortage of natural beauty and adventure. As you explore Walvis Bay, you can indulge in bird-watching, admire the flamingos and pelicans, or embark on a thrilling dolphin cruise. The charming town of Swakopmund, with its unique blend of tradition inherited from German imperial architecture and African vibrancy, is just a short drive away from Walvis Bay, and it promises even more delights.

In recent times, the maritime landscape has witnessed significant shifts. The once-trusted routes through the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and the Mediterranean have increasingly become perilous due to ongoing conflicts and security threats. This instability, exacerbated by the attacks from Houthis in the Red Sea region, has compelled many vessels to seek safer and more secure passages.

The Atlantic Ocean has emerged as a beacon of safety, drawing ships of all sizes, including enormous vessels like the Serenade of the Seas, to its tranquil waters. Namibia recently celebrated the arrival of another grand vessel, marking a significant milestone in the country's maritime journey and highlighting its burgeoning status in the global shipping industry. This event is not merely a transient occurrence; it represents a strategic investment in Namibia's hospitality and tourism sectors, promising substantial economic benefits.

The influx of these majestic ships heralds a wave of foreign visitors who disembark and explore Namibia's charming coastal towns. This dynamic infusion of international travelers translates to a robust boost in foreign currency as passengers indulge in local attractions, cuisine, and cultural experiences. From Swakopmund's picturesque beaches to Walvis Bay's vibrant market stalls, the economic ripple effect of these visits extends to local businesses, artisans, and service providers, creating a thriving ecosystem that benefits the entire community.

The Serenade of the Seas' arrival in Walvis Bay is a testament to Namibia's rising importance in the global maritime arena. As the world navigates through troubled waters in other regions, Namibia stands as a beacon of opportunity and security, ready to welcome the world with open arms. To all passengers and crew, have a wonderful time exploring our stunning landscapes and experiencing the warm Namibian hospitality.

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South Africa: São Bento & Sierra Palma shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

April 24:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1554: São Bento, this wooden Portuguese carrack wrecked near the intertidal island at the Msikaba River mouth in the Eastern Cape. It had been trading, overloaded with cargo between Europe and the East and was in need of urgent repairs.

A monument that was erected using props, in honour of those that perished during the wrecking of the São Bento (1554), by Mark Auret and Boris Rivett-Carnac (located near the wreck site)

On the voyage, whilst passing southern Africa, it was clear that the carrack was in a sinking state in a storm, so the captain made the call to run it aground rather than risk foundering at sea. Several people perished during the wrecking and the survivors camped on the banks of the Msikaba River for a few nights before deciding to undertake the arduous, overland journey to the Portuguese trading post setup in Inhambane (in modern day Mozambique). Although records are incomplete, like records of most Portuguese wrecks are because of the fires of the 1755 Earthquake in Lisbon, it is estimated that there were approximately 450 lives on board the ship before it wrecked.

An image of "tiré de l'História trágico Maritima," by Bernardo Gomes de Brito 1735, which is a woodcut depicting the wrecking of the São Bento (1554)

Of those, 224 enslaved people and 98 Portuguese survived the wrecking, but ultimately only 3 enslaved people and 20 Portuguese reached Inhambane. However, not all of the remaining people died during the overland journey, as some chose to settle and live in the areas that they were hiking through instead of attempting to reach the Portuguese outpost. As for the wreck site, it was discovered in 1968 and identified after years of studies by Tim Maggs and Chris Auret, which they published on in 1982.

1883: Sierra Palma, this British sailing barque wrecked after striking a submerged rock near the Inchara River mouth at Morgans Bay in the Eastern Cape. One man drowned during the wrecking.

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South Africa: Angus shipwreck

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

Otavi shipwreck in Namibia

April 22:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1908: Angus, this South African steam-powered fishing trawler wrecked on the northern end of Bird Island in Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape. One report suggests that it was just grounded as opposed to having wrecked, but others indicate that the Angus was put between Bird Island and the mainland for shelter, struck a rock, and wrecked.

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South Africa: Queen Victoria, John Drayton & Fukula shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

Montrose wreck in Namibia

April 21:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1896: Queen Victoria, this steel British steam-powered ship struck Thunderbolt Reef off Cape Recife in the Eastern Cape and damaged its hull. It was towed into Algoa Bay for repairs and was beached opposite the Humewood hotel in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. It was then moved four months later to North End Beach where it was badly damaged during a heavy gale in 1902 and was declared a loss. The wreck now lies near the foot of Darling Street and the remains can still be dived on.

1943: John Drayton, this American liberty ship was torpedoed and sunk by the Italian submarine Leonardo da Vinci about 300-400 km east of Durban off KwaZulu-Natal. A distress call was launched, and the Leonardo da Vinci finished the John Drayton off with gunfire after it was abandoned. Two days later, the Oscar Gorthon rescued 11 survivors. A week after the sinking, the HMS Relentless rescued a further 14 survivors and exactly a month after the wrecking, eight further survivors were rescued although there were originally 24 men in that boat (meaning 16 men lost their lives). In all, 27 lives that were on board the John Drayton were lost following this event. This would be the third, and second last vessel, that the Leonardi da Vinci claimed off the South African coastline.

2017: Fukula, this Namibian diamond recovery vessel drifted ashore and wrecked about 20 km south of Port Nolloth in the Northern Cape.

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South Africa: Lady Head & Cape Matapan shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

April 20:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1859: Lady Head, this wooden British sailing vessel came ashore near the mouth of the Krom River at St Francis Bay in the Eastern Cape. The vessel was thrown over the rocks with broken planks and wreckage being scattered everywhere. There were only three survivors who were severely bruised and injured. Only two bodies of the 23 that were lost were recovered. There is an urban belief that the swans that reside in the Krom River stem from this wreck. Some reports indicate the date of wrecking as the 26th of April instead.

1960: Cape Matapan, this steam powered South African fishing trawler collided with the Bulby in heavy fog and foundered within 10 minutes, just outside of the harbour mouth in Table Bay in the Western Cape.

The Cape Matapan in calm waters in Table Bay, year unknown

The entire crew of the Cape Matapan was safely moved onto the Bulby. Because it foundered so suddenly in fog, the exact location was not recorded. In 2010, a dive team led by Grant Whitford discovered some scattered wreckage close to the area where it is believed to have gone down. They also discovered evidence of dynamite salvage.

The boiler, 4 m in diameter, found by the dive team, that could possibly belong to the Cape Matapan

Although it has recently come to light that Naval exercises at the time might have resulted in the evidence of demolition instead. It is important to note though that this wreck has not yet been scientifically identified as the damage to it is extensive, but observed artefacts seem to correspond to images of the Cape Matapan. Future research will hopefully assist in determining whether this wreckage belongs to the Cape Matapan.

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South Africa: Betsy and Sarah, Munster Lass, Jupiter T, Florence & Barge 1 shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

The Winston wreck in Namibia

April 19:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1839: Betsy and Sarah, this wooden Dutch sailing barque wrecked at Cape Padrone, near Cannon Rocks in the Eastern Cape. The captain had died at sea alongside a further 18 people. The remaining 32 people on board miraculously made it to shore but their vessel wrecked in the process.

1863: Munster Lass, this South African schooner sailing wrecked during a strong south westerly gale at the Knysna Heads in the Western Cape.

1875: Jupiter T, this Austrian sailing barque ran aground 1km from the shore, approximately 3 km east of Cape Padrone in the Eastern Cape. A navigational error placed the barque near Cape St Francis when it was actually at Cape Padrone. In the morning, the lookout spotted breakers, but the vessel could not be turned fast enough, and they struck a submerged reef. The mainmast broke and with a panicked crew, two boats were launched, one of these with only one young boy on board and the other with only two people on board. These two boats drifted away before anyone else could board and they were never seen again. The following morning the seas were too rough because of a storm. By evening it had calmed enough for two further boats to be launched. All those reaming on board reached the beach safely, except for one man who drowned when one of the boats overturned. The vessel and the cargo were sold off and it was easily salvaged during the calmer days that followed.

1883: Florence, this sailing schooner drifted from its anchorage whilst the crew was loading guano at Bird Island in Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape. It struck Stag Island and wrecked.

1966: “Barge 1”, this iron barge was scuttled by the SAS President Kruger in False Bay in the Western Cape during a naval exercise.

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South Africa: Lusitania, Corbis, Manaar, A Caisson & Bella Theresa shipwrecks

SAHRA Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage

April 18:

“This day in our shipwreck and aeronautical wreck history”

1911: Lusitania, this Portuguese steam-powered passenger liner got stuck and wrecked on Bellows Rock in fog, just off Cape Point in the Western Cape. Of the 774 people on board, 8 lives were lost when a lifeboat capsized.

The collapsed hull of the Lusitania (1911) in 2011

Two days later the Lusitania slipped off the rock and found its resting place in 40 m deep water. The wreck is a popular dive spot, but at a depth of 30-40 m with strong currents and breakers on the nearby reef, it makes for a challenging dive.

1943: Corbis, this motor-powered tanker was struck by two torpedoes fired from U-180 about 800 km east-south-east from Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. Two further torpedoes were fired, with the Corbis evading the first by reversing, but the second hit the foreship and it caught fire and started sinking rapidly.

Corbis (1943), date and location unknown

Only one of the four lifeboats did not swamp after launching. This lifeboat, with only 10 of the original 60 on board, was only picked up 13 days later by a SAAF crash launch who landed the survivors at East London. 

1943: Manaar, this British steam-powered cargo ship was attacked and sunk about 300 km east of Port Edward in KwaZulu-Natal by the Italian submarine Leonardo de Vinci. After the first torpedo struck at 03:15, the ship was abandoned. The second torpedo only struck at 04:30, but the Manaar remained afloat. From 5:45 to 7:20, the submarine fired its gun intermittently to eventually sink the Manaar. Of the 98 that were on board, three were killed and 94 survivors (including one survivor from the Sembilan) reached Port St Johns on the 21st of April in four lifeboats. The master, or second officer in some reports, was taken as prisoner on board the submarine.  

1974: A Caisson, destined for East London, came off the tow rope and sunk around 8 km east of Cape Point in the Western Cape.

1977: Bella Theresa, this South African fishing vessel foundered approximately 30 km off St. Helena Bay in the Western Cape.

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