Windswept and rusting against the elements, BOS 400 stands as a stark reminder of maritime misfortune. It is a French derrick or lay barge. The BOS 400 met its fate on June 26, 1994.
The story of the BOS 400 begins with a tow. The Russian tugboat Tigr was chartered to tow the barge. Its journey started from Pointe-Noire in the Republic of Congo. Cape Town, South Africa was its destination.
Disaster struck when a storm brewed. The tow-rope connecting Tigr and BOS 400 snapped. The barge was adrift. It ran aground off Duiker Point near Sandy Bay. This was the same place where the SS Oakburn had wrecked before.
The BOS 400 became a total loss despite efforts to salvage it. Salvors could recover very little. Today, the wreck remains. A large crane and parts of the superstructure are still visible above the sea. The BOS 400 is slowly falling apart.
The Tigr, the tugboat involved, was built in 1987. It sat idle in Cape Town docks for years after the accident. In 2000, it was sold for $625,000.
Interestingly, the site of the BOS 400 wreck is also the resting place of the SS Oakburn. The Oakburn, a British cargo steamer, wrecked in 1906. It was carrying railway lines, glassware, and musical instruments.
Diving around the BOS 400 is popular. The maximum depth is about 22 meters. The wreck has become a unique dive site. The helicopter platform collapsed in 2010. The central section of the hull broke away in 2011. These events created more openings for divers to explore.
However, diving here can be hazardous. Strong surges and ragged wreckage pose risks. Entrapment is a concern. Divers need to be cautious. It is best to dive on calm days.
Despite the risks, the BOS 400 attracts photographers. Wide-angle shots capture its deteriorating state. The wreck provides a dramatic backdrop.
The BOS 400 stands as a monument to the power of the sea. It serves as a reminder of nature’s force. The wreck continues to disintegrate. It offers a glimpse into maritime history.