SS: Reigersdaal Traditional Cache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(small)
Related Web Page
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
15 minute stroll along the coast to this 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.
Access through the Silwerstroom Strand Resort. Free access if you are going to the pavilion. Park at S33 35.449 E18 21.714.
This 850 ton Dutch vessel was built in 1738 at the Amsterdam Yard for the Amsterdam Chamber of the Dutch East India Company and commanded by Johannes Band. She was wrecked on 25 October 1747 after drifting from her anchorage during a south-east gale while on an outbound voyage from Texel which she left on 31 May 1747 with 297 souls on board. She was laden with eight chests of specie and a cargo of lead ingots. On the 24th October she reached Dassen Island having lost 125 men from scurvy en route.
Unable to anchor she lowered a boat to fetch some rabbits and birds from the island. Eventually after much tacking she anchored of the north side of Robben Island. Because 83 of the remaining men also had scurvy, she remained at anchor until the following day. Whilst raising anchor the cable parted. The Reigersdaal then attempted to sail northwards but the crew were unable to handle her properly and an hour later she ran aground.
About 15 men climbed into a boat to try and get a line ashore, but after three-quarters of an hour, when they reached the shore, they saw that the Reigersdaal had been smashed to pieces. A further 157 lives were lost.
She was salvaged in 1979; about twenty thousand Spanish-American silver trade coins were recovered as well as bronze guns and the lead ingots.
The wreck lies in shallow water of the northern tip of this point and her anchors and badly corroded cast iron cannon can still be seen.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
3 oynpx ebpxf
Treasures
You'll collect a digital Treasure from one of these collections when you find and log this geocache:
Loading Treasures