The Western Cape coastline has a remarkable maritime history, with hundreds of recorded shipwrecks scattered from the West Coast around Cape Point and False Bay to the Overberg and Southern Cape. To make this extensive collection easier to explore, the wrecks have been divided into regional lists. Click on the name of an area below to go directly to its shipwreck list.
For the complete chronological collection, visit Shipwrecks Around the Western Cape Coast. If you are looking for a particular vessel, the Alphabetical List of Western Cape Shipwrecks provides a quick way to find it by name
Cape Agulhas
The waters around Cape Agulhas have claimed numerous ships over the centuries. The meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, strong currents, sudden storms, reefs and the exposed coastline made the southern tip particularly dangerous for sailing vessels. Many ships were lost while rounding Agulhas, while others came to grief along the coast between Agulhas and Cape Infanta. These wrecks form an important part of the maritime history of the area, although many of the vessels and their stories have been lost to time.
Cape Point
The waters around Cape Point have long been feared by mariners. Powerful currents, rocky reefs, heavy swells and sudden weather changes have contributed to numerous shipwrecks, from historic sailing vessels to modern ships. Explore the wrecks recorded around this dramatic southern tip of the Cape Peninsula.
Southern Coast
From Mossel Bay and the Gouritz River to Knysna and beyond, the Southern Coast has claimed vessels navigating its exposed shoreline and dangerous river mouths. Discover the shipwrecks scattered along this spectacular stretch of the Western Cape coast.
Overberg & Whale Coast
The coastline from the Overberg to the Whale Coast has seen centuries of maritime traffic, but strong winds, reefs, rocky shores and difficult approaches have made it a hazardous passage. Explore the wrecks and the stories behind vessels lost along this coastline.
West Coast
The rugged West Coast has witnessed centuries of shipping, from early Dutch vessels and East Indiamen to fishing boats and modern ships. Storms, reefs, fog and exposed anchorages contributed to numerous losses along this remote and fascinating coastline.
False Bay
Although False Bay offered shelter to ships approaching the Cape, its enormous expanse and changing weather often made it treacherous. Explore the many vessels lost around its shores, reefs and bays, and discover the maritime stories preserved beneath its waters.
Atlantic Seaboard
The Atlantic coastline from Cape Town towards Hout Bay and beyond has a long and sometimes tragic maritime history. Strong south-easterly winds, rocky shores, reefs and heavy seas have contributed to numerous wrecks along this spectacular section of the Cape Peninsula.
Robben Island
The waters around Robben Island have proved particularly hazardous to shipping. Strong currents, submerged reefs, rough seas and poor visibility contributed to numerous wrecks, particularly along the island’s exposed western shore. Explore the shipwrecks and maritime history surrounding this isolated island.
Table Bay
Table Bay contains one of the largest concentrations of recorded shipwrecks in the Western Cape. For centuries, ships anchored offshore while waiting for favourable conditions, but sudden north-westerly storms could turn the bay into a deadly trap. Explore this exceptionally long list of vessels lost in and around Table Bay.
Wartime Losses
The Western Cape’s shipping history also includes vessels lost during times of war. This collection brings together wartime casualties, including ships sunk by enemy action, damaged during military operations and deliberately scuttled during the World Wars. See also the U-Boat story
Discover the story of shipwrecks around the Western Cape in chronological order; alternatively, explore the alphabetical list
