Cape Town’s famous Antipolis shipwreck that stood for years in the water off Oudekraal, has washed ashore near the 12 Apostles Hotel.
A recent swell causing a surge of extremely large waves on Wednesday 19 and Thursday, 20 January might have dislodged the wreck. It was situated in a Marine Protected Area within the Karbonkelberg restricted area.
The Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit at The South African Heritage Resources Agency issued a warning: ‘The wreckage is very unstable, and the unit advises people to refrain from climbing on the wreck and or diving near it for the time being. The situation is being monitored by the City of Cape Town and we will post any updates when they become available.’
The Antipolis, a Greek oil tanker, ran aground during astorm in 1977. She and the Romelia, which ran aground near Sandy Bay, were both being towed from Greece by the tug Kiyo Maru No. 2 to be scrapped in Taiwan, according to Submerged. It was a popular dive spot at about 12 metres deep.
Picture: Chief Directorate of Surveys and Mapping/Wikimedia Commons
Take a look at some fascinating underwater footage of when the wreck was submerged.
Pictures: City of Cape Town
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