The Kakapo Wreck

On a foggy, stormy night on the 25th of May 1900, the SS Kakapo was rounding the Cape of Good Hope, aptly nicknamed the Cape of Storms.

It was on its maiden voyage from Swansea, Wales to Sydney, Australia laden with coal. As it rounded, what the newly appointed Danish captain thought was Cape Point, the captain ordered a hard port turn and to maintain full speed with the force of the north-west gale and huge seas pushing from behind. The captain had just made a fatal error. He had rounded Chapmans Peak in Hout Bay and what he thought was deeper water was the sandy shores of Noordhoek beach, a whole 20km short of the tip of the Cape Peninsula.

Thankfully no lives were lost, except perhaps the will of the captain. Rumour has it, after numerous attempts to salvage the ship without success, Captain P. Nicolayson remained on the ship for many years refusing to give any information regarding the event or allowing anyone on board.

When I walk down to the wreck, I always feel for the poor captain who had his hopes dashed on this beach.

All that remains of the wreck is the skeleton of the hull and the old boiler and propeller. Up until recently the SS Kakapo has been buried halfway in the sand with just the top visible and resting 100m from the shoreline. On one of the biggest storms of this year, I'd imagine very similar to that fateful night in 1900, has washed away most of the sand built up over the years and thereby returned the ship to the edge of the sea.

Perhaps a last ditch attempt by the spirit of the captain to refloat his boat and his pride. If only it could sail again.

I returned to the wreck recently during golden hour and was lucky enough to capture it in exceptional light.

I hope you enjoy!
Mark