There are 5 wrecks in Smitswinkel Bay, 2 frigates, 2 trawlers and a diamond-mining vessel. Most of the Cape dive operators go here every weekend and they are somewhat overdived. The Good Hope is the best of the 5 and it has much to offer. There are plenty of penetration possibilities for those accordingly trained and the wreck is covered in marine growth. Max depth is 34m with the main deck at about 28m. Nitrox is highly recommended
In the 1970's, scuttling two former navy frigates; the SAS Transvaal and SAS Goodhope- a diamond dredger the ....
There are 5 wrecks in Smitswinkel Bay, 2 frigates, 2 trawlers and a diamond-mining vessel. Most of the Cape dive operators go here every weekend and they are somewhat overdived. The Good Hope is the best of the 5 and it has much to offer. There are plenty of penetration possibilities for those accordingly trained and the wreck is covered in marine growth. Max depth is 34m with the main deck at about 28m. Nitrox is highly recommended
In the 1970's, scuttling two former navy frigates; the SAS Transvaal and SAS Goodhope- a diamond dredger the Rockeater and two fishing trawlers; the Princess Elizabeth and the Oratava created an artificial reef. Take a torch to marvel at the prolific and colorful corals, anemones and nudibranches.
I would like to clarify that the two mentioned vessels were sunk in 1978 (I still have all the press cuttings and possibly the biggest collection of photos of the sinkings).
The vessels were not sunk by the SA Navy but were sunk by myself with the assitance of an explosives exper from AECI . Each vessel was blown up with 100kgs gelignite, hence the great gaping holes on the port and starboard of both vessels.
The ships were purchased by myself and my two business partners Barry and Mike Steenkamp and we striped them of all valuable metals prior to the sinking after we donated the hulks to the False Bay Conservation Society for the creation of artificial reefs.
The sinkings created great controversy in the press, Cape Times and Argus well documented and i have all the original klippings.
The South African Navy did not accept my offer for them to sink the wessels but it was declined due to the controversy between myself and the depatment of transpot/Sea fisheries. My great mate Leftenant Commander Arthur Sibthorpe the then head of the navys diving scoll in Simonstown and a fellow diver when i engaged in the sport for many years was rather disapointed with the Navys decision not to accept my offer.
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