Cape Town shipwrecks

Shipwreck of the Kakapo. Photo courtesy Ian Junor

Early explorers

From the days when Portuguese explorers rounded the Cape in their wooden galleons to modern-day shipping, the aptly named “Cape of Storms” has claimed many a vessel.

A route to the East

The desire to discover a sea route to access the bounty of the East in the days of the early explorers led to the demise of countless ships along the rugged and treacherous South African coastline. All in all, researchers have documented more than 2 500 wrecks along the South African coastline since 1500 – hundreds of these in the waters off the Western Cape – but believe many more await discovery in their watery graves.

Cultural record

Known shipwrecks represent a diverse range of cultures from almost 40 countries and include ships of Portuguese explorers, the Dutch, English and French East India Companies, the British Royal Navy, 19th-century passenger and mail-shipping services, and maritime casualties from both world wars.

South African casualties

South African shipping is also well represented, with documented wrecks of mining, fishing, agricultural and coastal vessels adding to the total.

Underwater heritage

These shipwrecks afford divers and marine archaeologists a unique window into the culture of their time. Due to their inestimable historical value, they are highly valued and protected by the National Heritage Resources Act as part of our heritage.

Dive permits

The South African Heritage Resources Agency (Sahra) wreck permits and guidelines (Sahra forms 303 and 403) are issued to archaeologists and divers for the exploration of historical wrecks. Strict conditions apply. Permit applications can be obtained from the Maritime Archaeologist at Sahra’s head office at the Castle in Cape Town. It is illegal to remove any part or object from a wreck without a permit from Sahra.

Shipwrecks

Some of the better-known wrecks dotted along the Western Cape coast include:
• The Arniston – a British East Indiaman, wrecked near Waenhuiskrans in 1815
• The HMS Birkenhead – an iron-hulled troopship that struck the rocks near Gansbaai in 1852
• The HMS Guardian – a 44-gun Roebuck class ship damaged by an iceberg in 1789
• The Joanna – a gold-laden first East Indiaman wrecked near Cape Town in 1682
• The SS Maori – a steamship wrecked near Llandudno in 1909
• The HMS Sceptre – a 64-gun Royal Navy vessel wrecked near the Cape of Good Hope in 1799
• The HMS Thames – a former cruiser that later became a training ship that was scuttled in 1947
• The SS Thomas T Tucker – a munitions carrier that ran ashore at Olifantsbos point in 1942

Add to My Itinerary

Phone: +27 (0)21 462 4502, +27 (0)21 462 4509,
Website: http://www.sahra.org.za/shipwrecks.htm

Walking in Cape Town

Many visitors want to explore nature on higher ground as soon as they arrive in Cape Town and with Lion’s Head and Table Mountain beckoning, many do get to experience the local flora and fauna on foot. However, the entire peninsula can be enjoyed by avid walkers. From Blouberg Beach, with its picture perfect views from its sandy shores, to the more adventurous guided Hoerikwaggo Trails along the spine of Table Mountain, visitors have an expanse of ground to cover.

Castle Military Museum

The Castle Military Museum is housed in the oldest building in South Africa, the Castle of Good Hope, which was declared a national monument in 1936.

The Castle Military Museum is a tribute to the brave regiments of the past, providing an insight into the political history of the country and celebrating the rich military history of the Cape. Then Minister of Defence Joe Modise officially opened the Castle Military Museum on August 1, 1995.

South African Rugby Museum

Cape Town sport enthusiasts are lucky enough to live in the city that is home to the South African Rugby Museum. Located just a drop kick away from the Newlands Rugby Stadium in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, home of the Stormers, the South African Rugby Museum is a full of tokens, collector’s items, memorabilia and history of one of the country’s most watched sports.

Historic buildings and architecture in Cape Town

As the oldest city in South Africa, Cape Town boasts a number of historical buildings, many of which are still in use today and open to visitors. The city’s architecture is a testament to the many varying influences in South Africa’s unique history.

Art galleries in Cape Town

More than 100 art galleries – as diverse as the colours daubed on an artist’s palette – await discovery in and around Cape Town.

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