SS: Dassen Island Traditional Geocache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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An easy cache that forms part of the Shipwreck Series. For the series methodology and more info visit SS: Shipwreck Series via the related web page link.
At least nine ships have been wrecked on Dassen Island. The first was the De Hoop, a Dutch Galiot owned by the Dutch East India Company. She was wrecked on Dassen Island 31 November 1734 during a strong north-west storm. Part of her equipment was saved by the Fijemoord which was herself wrecking in Table Bay in 1736.
On 1 August 1891 at 04h45, another ship, the 3600 ton Wallarah ran aground in fine weather on her maiden voyage from London to Sydney at a speed of over 12 knots. She was a Blue Anchor Line steamer under the command of Captain F.H. Ekins. The second officer and six crew made for Yzerfontein and then proceeded to Malmesbury by horse and cart where he dispatched a telegram advising the ships agents of the disaster.
The tug Morning Star left Table Bay immediately followed by three small steamers, the Tiger, Enterprise and Magnet. There was no chance of refloating her dispite jettisoning tons of cargo including clothing, books, pianos, rum, whisky and jars of mercury. The pianos were in airtight containers and the farmers along the west coast were salvaging them for weeks afterwards. The mercury was also saved. The rest of the crew and passengers made it back to Cape Town via the steamers.
It was found that the light on Robben Island was misleading and the captain was not at fault. This lead to the construction of a lighthouse on Dassen Island.
You might have to wait for low tide if you wish to keep your feet dry
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Rnfg snpr bs ebpx oruvaq 2 fgbarf