Home

Shipwrecks

DURBAN WRECKS


COOPERS LIGHTHOUSE WRECK - Maximum Depth: 32m

cooper

 

Lying about 4km off Treasure Beach on the Bluff is one of the best wreck dives off the KZN coast. She lies upright in 24 - 32m of water and is home to the most prolific amount of marine life. Confusion surrounds the actual identity of the wreck and it has therefore been named after the nearby Coopers Lighthouse.

THE FONTAO WRECK - Maximum Depth: 27m

 

fontoa

 

THE FONTAO lies in 27m of water, 3km directly off Umhlanga's lighthouse. This vessel started life as a deep ocean trawler. It was recommissioned by ORI (Oceanographic Research Institute) and sunk as an artificial reef in 1977. The wreck is now teeming with a full complement of tropical reef fish and also hosts schools of bait fish, which attract larger predators.

THE T-BARGE WRECK - Maximum Depth: 27m

THE T-BARGE lies 2km off Virginia Airport at a depth of 27m. An ORI (Oceanographic Research Institute) experiment, this unusual vessel with three cranes on the deck, is now surrounded by vast schools of swirling bait fish and provides a haven for juvenile reef fish.

UMKOMAAS WRECKS

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: ALIWAL SHOAL (in Umkomaas) is a Marine Protected Area.

As from the 13th of April 2012 all scuba divers diving in a Marine Protected Area require a permit. ALIWAL SHOAL IN UMKOMAAS, is a Marine Protected Area. Please laminate your permit, with a certified copy of your ID on the back. Please keep it with you on the boat (a dry box on the boat is now provided for this).

Fines:
R1000-00 for not having a permit
R500-00 for not having it on the boat

Permits can be obtained at the Post Office. Forms can be obtained at Aqua Planet (when available) or at the Post Office.

PLEASE NOTE: It is your responsibility to have a permit and Aqua Planet will not be held liable for anyone diving without a permit.

THE NEBO WRECK - Maximum Depth: 26m

THE NEBO lies inshore of Aliwal Shoal, off the small coastal town of Umkomaas.

This 2000 ton steamship sank on the 24 May 1884, on her maiden voyage, just north of the Aliwal Shoal. She was carrying of a cargo of railway material which is now the home to numerous fish. No lives were lost.

THE NEBO is best dived in the winter months when there is less rain.

THE PRODUCE WRECK - Maximum Depth: 30m

THE PRODUCE lies inshore of Aliwal Shoal, off the small coastal town of Umkomaas.

THE PRODUCE, a Norwegian bulk carrier struck Aliwal Shoal on the 11th August 1974 and sunk. There were no fatalities.

The rusted framework now provides an established residence for a variety of fish species, and very good diving. The elusive Brindle Bass is a great attraction and an awesome sight underwater.

PLEASE NOTE: All wrecks are reserved for ADVANCED divers only.

Surf Report


Go to yosurfer.com for surf reports & forecasts