Hout Bay wreck removals underway

Ongoing efforts to revive small harbours

SOUTH AFRICA: Plans to salvage two vessels in Hout Bay over a period of three days have been prolonged by the discovery of an additional unidentified vessel beneath one of the wrecks.

The wreck removal operations in the harbour form part of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s (DFFE) strategy to revitalise the country’s proclaimed fishing harbours as well as address environmental and safety risks.

Despite initial plans to complete the removal of the Edelweiss and African Unity within three days, the complexity of the operation, including the discovery of an additional unidentified vessel beneath one of the wrecks, has extended the timeline. Teams have successfully pumped water from the vessels, and a team of divers is actively sealing identified holes to ensure the vessels can be safely floated and moved for salvaging.

Additional vessels in Hout Bay, such as Merlin, Blue Boat, and Spes Nova, are scheduled for removal by the end of October 2025, while others like Grant and another Spes Nova are targeted for the end of December 2025.

Several abandoned vessels, including SA 4256, C.Bull, Nico’s, Roly Poly, Royal Duke, Brilliant, Lucky Too, Teal, and two dinghies, are under discussion for lifting with a crane by November 2025. The owner of the White Boat has committed to repairing it and donating it to Small Scale Fisheries Co-Operatives.

Clearing these vessels will help the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) create additional mooring and berthing space in response to requests from the fishing industry while stimulating economic activity.

A total of 37 vessels have been identified for removal in Lamberts Bay, St Helena Bay, Saldanha Bay, Hout Bay, and Gordon’s Bay. These include 17 abandoned boats as well as a further 20 sunken vessels. Six of these are being attended to by their owners at their own cost.

Minister Dion George commended the ongoing work, stating, “The successful progress in removing sunken and abandoned vessels across our Western Cape harbours is a testament to our dedication to ensuring safe and sustainable fishing harbours. These efforts not only mitigate environmental and navigational risks but also create opportunities for economic growth by freeing up valuable mooring space.”

In other harbours:

● Gordon’s Bay: The sunken Dolphin is set for removal by a diving school as part of a training programme, with a date to be confirmed by the end of October 2025. The abandoned vessels Sea Quest, Feelin Naughty, and Illusions – 29504 are also noted.

● Lamberts Bay: The sunken Getruide ADF 549 and abandoned James Archer are pending, with SAMSA to issue a directive for Getruide ADF 549.

● St Helena Bay:  The sunken Arizon II and Anna SH1451P are pending SAMSA directives.

● Saldanha Bay: The sunken Benguela Pride 350390, Petrie Hein –350553, OosterDAM 350481, and Angie V are pending SAMSA directives.

The removal of these wrecks is a critical step in addressing the environmental and safety risks posed by sunken and abandoned vessels, which constitute approximately 90% of such wrecks in Hout Bay Harbour. By clearing these vessels, the DFFE is creating additional mooring and berthing space, responding to numerous requests from the fishing industry for access to these facilities. This development is expected to stimulate economic activity, including increased demand for vessel building and job creation in coastal communities.

Looking ahead, the DFFE is preparing for the removal of additional wrecks across all affected harbours in November and December 2025. The Department will continue to work closely with SAMSA to ensure compliance and efficiency in these operations.

PHOTO: Salvage work underway in Hout Bay Harbour. (SOURCE: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment)

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