The Dive Site
Series
Hidden below the waters surrounding the Cape Peninsula lie one
of the unknown jewels of the area, known to only those who brave
the sea to get a first-hand account. Viewed from above it gives the
impression of being a bleak brown landscape as has been mentioned
to me on many an occasion. Enter the water and suddenly a whole new
world unfolds right before your eyes.
Cape Town is not well known as a diving destination of any note,
particularly to “outsiders” – ie. to those who do
not dive and also tourists to the area. It is certainly not well
marketed world wide, as have dive venues such as Sodwana Bay and
Aliwal Shoal. The aim of this series is to illustrate the many
great diving opportunities available and to draw attention to the
vast marine biodiversity that surrounds us.
Dive Site Description -
Smits Wrecks
Between December 1972 and August 1983 five vessels were towed
into Smitswinkel Bay and scuttled to form a series of artificial
reefs. First to go was the marine prospecting ship MV Rockeater,
sunk on 15th December 1972. Next came the two frigates, the SAS
Good Hope on 18th June 1978 followed by the SAS Transvaal on 3rd
August 1978. Last were two fishing vessels, the MFV Oratava and the
MFV Princess Elizabeth in August 1983. They all lie upright on the
seabed and have in recent years started to show signs of
collapse.
The wrecks are heavily encrusted with marine life –
various sea fans, anemones, feather stars, soft corals and brittle
stars abound. Fish life is prolific too. Horsefish, Pajama sharks,
Klipfish, Bank steenbras, Blennies, Octopus, Strepies and many
other species can be found here.
The wrecks lie at a maximum depth of around 34m, the average
deck level being at around 27m – 22m. This is a dive best
done on a Nitrox mix of somewhere between 32% to 34%. Best dived in
winter, visibility can get up to 15m, though 8m - 10m is
average.
This dive site is only accessible by boat - there are many dive
charter operators that dive the wrecks on a regular basis..
Follow this link for
more information and a dive site map.
Featured Critter –
Bigscale scorpionfish
Until fairly recently (2004) the Bigscale scorpionfish
(Scorpaena scrofa) was thought to occur only as far south
as KZN. Then a few were spotted and photographed by divers in False
Bay. These were thought to be visitors that would not survive the
cool waters. Several years later and they are still here, spotted
more by luck than anything else owing to the fact that they are
extremely well camouflaged.
The scorpionfish can grow up to 35cm. It can be found from False
Bay to KZN in water ranging from 10m at least 30m. It is a large
rounded fish with a broad head and large mouth. The body is covered
with loose “flaps” and is a mottled variation of
colours. It is thought to be able to change colour to match its
surroundings. This fish is an ambush predator – it will lie
still waiting for prey – usually small fish or invertebrates
to swim past and then pounce with lightning speed. It also features
venomous spines on its dorsal fin – if stung the wound should
be immersed in hot water to reduce the effect of the poison.
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| Picture taken on the SAS Good Hope - one of the first images
captutred of a Scorpionfish in Cape waters. Note the "frills"
around the head and the dorsal spines. |
Taken on the wreck of the Oratava - the colour of this specimen
closely matches the rust found on the wreck. |
About the
cache
This is not an underwater cache - it is located in close
proximity to the parking coords. Please use stealth when retrieving
it - there are always tourists around. Patience is a virtue. The
other additional coords pinpoint the location of the five wrecks in
the bay. You may be able to see dive boats moored on the wrecks,
particularly on weekends.