GC2K0X2 SS: Robben Island (Traditional Cache) in Western Cape, South Africa created by paddawan and BoazRuthFields

This cache has been archived.

Knagur Green: Due to no response from the CO after the request to maintain or replace the cache, I am archiving it to, stop it showing on the listings and/or to create place for the geocaching community.

The Geocache Maintenance guideline explains a CO's responsibility towards checking and maintaining the cache when problems are reported.

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If the CO feels that this cache has been archived in error please feel free to contact me within 30 days, via email or message via my profile ,quoting the GC number concerned

Thank you for understanding

Knagur Green

GC2K0X2 ▼

A cache by paddawan and BoazRuthFields Message this owner

Hidden : 12/1/2010

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Easy cache and grab that forms part of the Shipwreck Series. For the series methodology and more info visit SS: Shipwreck Series via the related web page link.

Amongst the numerous wrecks on Robben Island was the Rangatira which ran aground on the north-west corner of Robben Island on 31 March 1916 in dense fog while on a voyage from London to New Zealand.

The 7,465 ton, twin screw Rangatira was popping into Cape Town for bunkers. The sea was calm for three days and small coasters Luna and Burton Port were able to remove some of the cargo. However, on Sunday morning when the convicts were in church, the ship broke in two and cargo began drifting ashore. The service ended and the convicts were sent down to the beach to save as much cargo as possible.

Casks of rum and whisky were seen bumping about on the rocks and the convicts opened one cask and buried another. When the warders returned from lunch, they found the convicts rolling drunk. The convicts were brought back to the prison on trolley-cars and even in wheel-barrows. Very few could walk and some of them had not tasted whisky for years. The following day they returned to the beach, dug up the hidden cask and partook again.

Irate customs officials soon put a stop to it when they pitched tent to guard the cargo.

Another loss was the RMS Tantallon Castle, a single screw mailship of 5,636 tons build in 1894 by Fairfield, Glasgow and commanded by Captain de la Cour Travers. She was wrecked on Robben Island at 15h00 on 7 May 1901 in dense fog. The lookout shouted a warning after seeing a patch of seaweed and the Captain immediately shouted for Full Astern, but it was too late. At 4 miles per hour they shuddered and scraped onto the rocks. A small coasting steamer Magnet was unloading cargo from another vessel on the other side of the island. All women and children were transferred and then men later on another tug. Eventually at 20h30 all three hundred and twenty passengers arrived safely in Cape Town harbour.

At least 18 other vessels have been wrecked on Robben Island.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Svsgu ebj bs Ergnvavat Oybpxf Ng gur raq bs gur ergnvavat jnyy Evtug va gur pbeare CYRNFR ERGHEA PBIREVAT PBZCYRGRYL

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)