The remains of the wreckage that washed up on Sea Point’s Milton Beach last week was likely that of a modern vessel, most probably a fishing trawler, estimated to be between 20 and 30 years old, the South African Heritage Resource Association (SAHRA) has confirmed.
The wreckage caused excitement in the area, with residents posting photos of the wreck on social media.
The wreckage was reported to the Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage (MUCH) unit at SAHRA last week by maritime archaeologist at Iziko Museums, Jaco Boshoff.
SAHRA’s heritage officer in the MUCH Unit, Briege Williams, said she went to Milton Beach with Mr Boshoff and Jake Harding from Iziko Museums and Jonathan Sharfman from the African Centre for Heritage Activities (ACHA) to look at the wreckage which was washed ashore by high seas over the weekend.
“On closer inspection of the wreckage it was found that polyurethane insulation foam was present between the two layers of hull planking. This is used in more modern vessels for flotation purposes,” she said.
She said this indicated that the remains were from a modern vessel, most probably a fishing trawler, estimated to be between 20 and 30 years old.
“As the wreckage is not over 60 years of age and is fairly recent it is not considered to be of heritage value and falls outside the remit of the MUCH unit.
“As the wreckage was large and was considered to be a possible fishing hazard the City council was able to remove the piece of wreckage from the beach without needing a permit or further input from SAHRA,” she said.
