This Glossary of Shipping Terms explains common maritime and shipwreck terminology used in coastal records and historical reports. It covers key nautical words and phrases such as vessel conditions, navigation terms, and shipwreck classifications. The aim is to make shipwreck listings and maritime history easier to understand, especially when reading older records or technical descriptions.
- Beached:
A vessel driven or placed onto a shoreline, either intentionally or by accident. - Capsized:
A vessel that has overturned in the water - Foundered:
A vessel that sinks after filling with water, usually due to weather or structural failure. When a ship “founders” at sea, it is because it becomes heavier with the inlet of seawater. Eventually, the buoyancy is lost, and the ship sinks- - Grounded (Run aground):
A vessel that has made contact with the seabed or shore and is stuck.
- Marooned:
Stranded in an isolated place, usually after a shipwreck or abandonment, with no easy way to leave or be rescued - Moored:
A vessel secured in place using ropes, chains, or anchors, usually in a harbour, river, or sheltered area. It is not tied directly to a dock. - Rigging:
The system of masts, spars, ropes, cables, and fittings used to support a sailing ship and control its sails. On modern vessels, the term can also extend to related mechanical and control systems used for navigation and operation. - Scuttled:
A ship is deliberately sunk, usually by its crew. - Wrecked:
A general term for a ship that is destroyed, damaged beyond repair, or lost.
- Bow: Front of the ship.
- Stern: Rear of the ship.
- Port: Left side when facing forward.
- Starboard: Right side when facing forward.
- Keel: The main structural spine running along the bottom of the ship.
- Hull:
See the chronological list of shipwrecks around the Western Cape and the alphabetical list to assist in your search for a specific wreck.
