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Ships continue to be in need of good hope as they travel along the Cape of Storms, because even to this day vessels are wrecked with surprising frequency. Sophisticated equipment, detailed maps and vigilant harbour masters, still cannot stop the effects of stormy seas, mechanical failure and human error.
The Cape has about 2,700 wrecks around its coast, only about 10-15% of which have been accurately pinpointed. Many are very visible in the sand or surf and all have a dramatic story to tell.
The Cape Shipwreck Route will soon have information signboards telling you the traumatic stories of each wreck. In the meantime, use this as your guide to allow each shipwreck to come alive with drama and history.
Wednesday 17th May 1865 was an ominous day for sailors. Seas turned from heavy to ferocious and ships could no longer steer or hold anchor. By about 2pm, more than ten vessels had crashed into each other or run ashore in Table Bay - amazingly without loss of life. Unfortunately as the day progressed the shipwrecks increased and many lives were lost. Numerous ships were subsequently re-floated, but seven left their shattered hulls forever in the bay.
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