Coastal Safaris
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Wreck Diving
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Brave the currents of the Cape of Storms to dive for elusive treasures in
the wrecks of the numerous ships claimed over centuries by these turbulent
waters. The Cape Peninsula lies at the
convergence of the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans. The Cape Peninsula is
thus affected by both the Agulhas and the Benguela Currents. The
difference in sea temperature results in a fantastic variety of sea life
and scenery. The rugged coastline is littered with wrecks, most of which
met their fate during winter storms. Wrecks date from the 1600s to the
present day.
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Wrecks off the Cape Peninsula :
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Cape Town's Wreck
Dives are found on both sides of the Peninsula,
in two different oceans with distinct climates, temperatures and dive
seasons.
Atlantic Ocean - West Coast
Diving season – Summer: October – April
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Top 5 Wreck Dives:
The Maori (1909)
Location: Between Hout Bay and Llandudno - approximately 75m (250ft)
offshore – boat entry
Average depth: 20m (65ft)
Maximum depth: 25m (80ft)
A British cargo steam ship of 5317 tons – 175m (580ft) in length,
carrying a cargo of explosives, water piping and crockery from London to
New Zealand. It wrecked on rocks in thick fog on 5 August 1909 – 32
lives were lost.
Well preserved for its age – lies in sheltered bay
The Oakburn (1906)
Location: Between Hout Bay and Llandudno – boat entry
Exposed position – a calm day is needed to dive
Average depth 20m (65ft)
Maximum depth: 25m (80ft)
A British cargo steamer of 3865 tons, carrying a cargo of railway lines
and equipment, glassware, sewing machines, musical instruments, oil and
paper – from New York to Sydney – 2 lives were lost.
The Katzmaru (1970s)
Location: Hout Bay
Average depth: 29m (97ft)
Maximum depth: 32m (106ft)
Usually calm – easily accessible – fish and marine life.
An Oriental trawler – lying on a stark, sandy bottom – virtually intact.
The Aster
Location: Hout Bay (just north of the Katzmaru)
Maximum depth: approx. 30 m (100ft)
Protected in the bay - a relatively safe but deep dive
A lobster catcher - scuttled in April 1977 to form an artificial reef
after being
thoroughly cleaned out and swim-throughs cut into her.
Indian Ocean – East Coast
(False Bay)
Dive season – Winter: May – September
Top 5 Wreck Dives:
SAS Pietermaritzburg (1994)
Location: about 6km (4 miles) past Simon's Town towards Cape Point
Average depth: 16m (52ft)
Maximum depth: 20m (65ft) on the sand
Scuttled on 12 November 1994 to form an artificial reef – in relatively
shallow
water. Lies straight up on the sand – in perfect condition – making an
interesting and eerie dive. Bought by
SA Navy in 1947 – it was formerly the HMS Pelorus and led the D-Day
invasion of Normandy in WW II.
The Wrecks of Smitswinkel Bay
5 wrecks scuttled to form artificial reefs
in 1970s.
Location: Approximately 4km (2.5 miles) from Miller's Point - reached by
boat
from Kalk Bay, Miller's Point or Simon's Bay
Average depth: 35m (115ft)
Maximum depth: 40m (130ft)
Usually calm – in sheltered bay
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SAS Transvaal and SAS Good Hope –
former navy frigates.
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The Rockeater – a diamond dredger.
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The Princess Elizabeth and The Oratava
– fishing trawlers.
Because of depth, artificial light is needed
to see the wonderful colours of the marine life.
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Wrecks in the Garden Route and Kwazulu-Natal Areas
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At Knysna on the Garden
Route there is one commonly dived wreck:
The Paquita, a German iron barque which sank in 1903.
Near Aliwal
Shoal in KwaZulu-Natal there are 2 wrecks:
The Nebo, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1884 - at 25 meters
(82ft).
The Produce (1974), 2 000 ton bulk tanker - at 30 meters (100ft).
Its rusted framework has formed an established reef.
WRECK DIVING - EXTRAS:
Diving in the S.W. Cape includes diving with seals and penguins.
WRECK DIVES - DIVE QUALIFICATIONS:
All levels of certified sports divers.
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