The Energy Endurance was a Liberian motor tanker that was on route from Ras Tanura for Europe carrying a cargo of crude oil. On the 9th April 1981 she sustained extensive hull damage in a gale/storm off Transkei; She was taken to Algoa bay & thence to Cape Town. From Cape Town she was subsequently taken to Kaohsiung & broken up. She was previously named Bergehus between 1967 and 1979. The Energy Endurance is yet another case of a loaded VLCC suffering serious damage to a … [Read more...] about Energy Endurance
Wrecks
Meisho Maru No 38 Shipwreck – Cape Agulhas, South Africa
The Meisho Maru No 38, a Japanese fishing trawler, met its unfortunate fate at Cape Agulhas, South Africa, on August 16, 1982. This maritime disaster has become a notable chapter in the region's maritime history, drawing attention from historians, marine enthusiasts, and locals alike. Vessel Details: Name: Meisho Maru No 38 Type: Fishing Trawler Length: 44.6 meters Origin: Japan The vessel was engaged in fishing activities and was navigating the treacherous waters along the … [Read more...] about Meisho Maru No 38 Shipwreck – Cape Agulhas, South Africa
The Wreck of the Volo
The Kenton Awesomeness Group on Facebook recently posted that the Wreck of the Volo is on the move and the best place to see it is at Bushmans River Mouth. The post sparked some interesting memories with Kath from Dempsey's Guest House, Port Elizabeth saying; "Fantastic shots, wow the Volo is truly exposed. Jack Dempsey owned the Volo Restaurant in the early nineties, a massive log from the Volo adorned the reception area. There was also an enlarged photo of the wreck of the Volo inside the … [Read more...] about The Wreck of the Volo
9 July Shipwreck List
2024: The MV Ultra Galaxy vessel ran aground on the evening 9 July off the coast of Duiwegat, south of Brand se Baai on the West Coast. The ship was abandoned by her crew of 18 Filipino seafarers after developing an excessive list. The crew returned safely back to the Philippines. The ship’s hatch covers were dislodged in extreme weather and detached from the vessel, leaving the cargo holds vulnerable and a significant part of the ship’s fertiliser cargo was swept away by the sea. The … [Read more...] about 9 July Shipwreck List
6 January Shipwreck List
The 6th of January WAS a red-letter day as up until 2024, South Africa had NO recorded shipwrecks occurring on 6 January in any year of our past. 2024: FV Elke M - The grounding incident of FV Elke M, a Port Elizabeth registered 376-ton (gross) fishing trawler, measuring 33 meters in length and eight (8) meters wide, with a deadweight tonnage of some 194 tons, occurred on a late Saturday evening on 06 January 2024, on a rocky coastal area of the Cape coast in the Eastern Cape some two … [Read more...] about 6 January Shipwreck List
The Shipwreck of the East Indiaman, Doddington: A Tale of Tragedy and Triumph in Algoa Bay
The story of the East Indiaman, Doddington, and its subsequent rescue in Algoa Bay is a captivating saga of maritime disaster and human resilience. This article delves into the harrowing events that unfolded when the Doddington met its tragic fate and the remarkable efforts made to save the lives of its crew and passengers. In the early 18th century, the Doddington, a grand vessel belonging to the British East India Company, embarked on a momentous voyage from England to the East Indies. … [Read more...] about The Shipwreck of the East Indiaman, Doddington: A Tale of Tragedy and Triumph in Algoa Bay
The Shipwreck of the California in Algoa Bay
A Maritime Saga of Tragedy and Heroism. The shipwreck of the California stands as a poignant testament to the perils of maritime navigation and the indomitable spirit of human resilience amidst the formidable forces of nature. The ill-fated vessel, enshrouded in tragedy and heroism, found its final resting place on the shores of Algoa Bay, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to reverberate through the annals of maritime history. This article delves into the harrowing account of the … [Read more...] about The Shipwreck of the California in Algoa Bay
The Shipwreck of the Cambusnethan in Algoa Bay: A Tale of Tragedy and Survival
The shipwreck of the Cambusnethan stands as a poignant chapter in the maritime history of Algoa Bay, South Africa. The ill-fated vessel, laden with hope and cargo, met its tragic end on the shores of Algoa Bay, leaving an enduring legacy of resilience and human perseverance. This article delves into the harrowing account of the Cambusnethan's shipwreck and the remarkable stories of survival amidst the tumultuous waters of the bay. Voyage and Tragedy In 1897, the Cambusnethan, a majestic … [Read more...] about The Shipwreck of the Cambusnethan in Algoa Bay: A Tale of Tragedy and Survival
Pati
MV Pati, a 1950 built Cyprian vessel, laden with a cargo of cement, on route from the Ivory Coast to the Persian Gulf struck Thunderbolt reef in March 1976, sinking to form a colourful artificial reef, teeming with fish and interesting artefacts. The MV Pati has since become part of the marine habitat of Thunderbolt Reef, and a great diving venue. The wreck is hard to fish, too far out for shore anglers, and a treacherous place for ski-boats. But Paddle ski and Jet-ski anglers can get … [Read more...] about Pati
SAS Haerlem Wreck
The SAS Haerlem is a popular old navy frigate wreck site re-purposed as an artificial reef perfect for divers. The Haerlem was built in 1958 and disarmed in 1963. The ship was scuttled in Algoa Bay on 30 November 1987, close to the Bell Buoy. She settled 21 meters below the surface, with her bow to the south and has created holes, nooks and crannies for the curious diver keen to encounter some shy sharks, a variety of fish and soft coral. The deck has broken in two. Big cob can be seen … [Read more...] about SAS Haerlem Wreck
Baratz Wreck
On the 26th of November 2015 the 29m steel crayfish boat, Baratz started taking in water. All 25 crew on-board were rescued by the NSRI in 5m swells and easterly winds of up to 20 knots. She is lying in 25m of water and has already attracted schools of fish and marine life, making for an interesting dive. On 02.12.2015 Neville Noble from the South African Maritime Association (SAMSA) instructed the Tactical Task Force to enforce a no go area of two nautical miles around the Cape Recife … [Read more...] about Baratz Wreck
Kapodistras
The 1972 built 187 metre long, 16 446 gross ton Motor Vessel Kapodistras ran aground and was wrecked on Thunderbolt Rock. Cape Recife on the 29th July 1985. The Kapodistras was Panamian registered by it's Greek owners and built by Hakodate Dock Co. Ltd., Hakodate, Japan. The wreck is a popular diving and spearfishing spot: Gletwyn Rubidge spears a bronzebream from a cave on the wreck of the Kapodistrias - viz 10m, depth 9m. The 118-metre Kapodistrias left the Port of Port … [Read more...] about Kapodistras
Abdul Medjid
Abdul Medjid, built in 1854 by Lawrie J. G. & Co. - Glasgow, was a barque of 402 tons that was wrecked in 1871 in the bight of Algoa Bay during a SE gale when her cables parted. Abdul Medjid, owned by Ellis H. & Sons, was on voyage from Port Elizabeth to Montreal with wool. The Court of Enquiry into the loss was held in Port Elizabeth after all on board were saved. The name Abdul Medjid is of Arabic Origin and means: Servant of the Glorious One. The thirty-first Sultan of the … [Read more...] about Abdul Medjid
Abbotsford
The Abbotsford was a British immigrant barque* of 328 tons that was wrecked in Algoa Bay during a SE gale on 12 October 1843 when her cables parted. All on board were saved. *A barque (bark) is a sailing ship with at least three masts, all of them fully square rigged except for the sternmost one, which is fore-and-aft rigged. More Wreck Info here. CLICK on the name of the ship to read more about the wreck. … [Read more...] about Abbotsford
