Drawn by the allure of the deep, let’s uncover the tale of the Antipolis. This wreck lies not far from the shore. It is a popular dive site near Cape Town.
The Antipolis was once a steel ship. Now, it rests as a haven for marine life. Imagine this: it is July 28th, 1977. A fierce North Westerly gale rages. The tug Kiyo Maru no.2 is towing the Antipolis and Romelia. They are bound from Greece to the Far East, destined for scrap. Suddenly, disaster strikes. The tow cable of the Antipolis snags on the seabed. Cables snap amidst the chaos. The wind and waves seize the hapless ships. The Romelia crashes into Sunset Rocks at Llandudno. The Antipolis meets its fate at Oudekraal. The salvage tug Wolraad Woltemade tries in vain to pull her free.
Today, the Antipolis is a wreck that has been cut down to sea level. Parts of its plating still peek above the water. You can see them when the tide is low.
Diving the Antipolis is an adventure. You will need a permit for the Karbonkelberg Marine Protected Area. You can get one at the Post Office or at Into The Blue Scuba Dive Centre in Sea Point.
Getting to the site involves some effort. Divers often park off the main road. Then they carefully descend a steep, grassy slope. Boulder hopping follows to reach the entry point. It’s more challenging than other shore dives around Cape Town.
The swim to the descent point is about 60 meters. The average depth is 7 meters. The maximum depth is around 15 meters. Be warned: the Atlantic waters here can be frigid. Temperatures can dip into the single digits. Wetsuits, gloves, and hoodies are essential.
Once beneath the surface, a world of wreckage awaits. Large pipes, broken hull plating, and massive valves scatter the site. Algae, shellfish, and starfish cling to the steel remains. Crayfish love to hide in the dark corners. Keep an eye out for pajama sharks and shy sharks. Jellyfish also drift through the water. Visibility usually ranges from 5 to 10 meters. On a good day, it can exceed 20 meters.
The Antipolis wreck site has an assortment of large and small granite outcrops. Kelp forests surround the wreck. These provide shelter for marine animals. Over the years, the wreck has broken apart. Debris spreads across the seabed.
Remember that severe waves shifted the bow section. It now rests on the rocky beach.
Exploring the Antipolis offers a glimpse into maritime history. It also showcases the resilience of nature. As you explore, consider the ship’s journey and its dramatic end. The Antipolis now serves as a vibrant artificial reef. It is teeming with life beneath the waves.