SS Clan Stuart (Wreck)

The SS Clan Stuart is an intriguing dive site located in the picturesque waters of Simon's Town, South Africa. This historical wreck, nestled along the stunning False Bay coast of the Cape Peninsula, offers divers an unforgettable underwater experience.

On November 21, 1914, the SS Clan Stuart, a 3500-ton British turret steamer carrying a load of coal, encountered a fierce South East gale that caused it to drag its anchor and ultimately run aground. These events have left behind a captivating piece of history that divers can explore to this day.

The dive site itself boasts a moderate variety of fascinating marine life, including an abundance of invertebrates and fish. As divers venture inside the wreck, they will discover a flourishing ecosystem adorned with colorful corals and bryozoans. The exterior, on the other hand, is predominantly covered by Red bait and coralline algae, creating a captivating contrast.

Situated at a depth of approximately 8 meters, the SS Clan Stuart's remnants rest in fairly shallow water. The surrounding area features fine sand with occasional low sandstone outcrops, adding to the site's natural beauty. Over the years, the iron structure of the wreck has suffered significant deterioration, resulting in a scattered and fragmented appearance. However, some notable features still remain intact. Above the water, divers can observe a section of the triple expansion steam engine framework structure, accompanied by the low pressure cylinder mountings to the southwest. At the wreck's core, they will encounter the crankshaft, connecting rods, and propeller shaft, as well as a large cast iron propeller. Additionally, there are remnants of a condenser on the port side of the engine and the two coal-fired scotch boilers. These boilers have become dislodged from their mountings and now reside on their sides, with the cylindrical furnaces stacked one above the other. Despite some rusted sections and visible tie-rods, the wreckage still reveals glimpses of its former glory.

The SS Clan Stuart wreck aligns at a slant of approximately 45° to the shoreline. The bow, situated at the northeast end, lies roughly 30 meters from the engine block and reaches a maximum depth of around 9 meters. While the plating has largely rusted away, discernible framing remains, allowing divers to appreciate the wreck's unique architecture. On the opposite end, the stern rests at the southwest, approximately 15 meters from the engine block. This area represents the shallowest part of the wreck, and it is also closest to the beach. Most of the wreckage is submerged very close to the sea floor, but there are a few sections that offer divers the opportunity to explore covered areas. Notably, a long angled section of plating on the port side forms a small low tunnel, providing divers with a captivating passage to navigate. Though some areas may be too small to pass through, the open ends allow glimpses of light and a sense of adventure.

With a visibility of approximately 7 meters, this dive site is accessible to divers of all levels, making it an ideal destination for beginners. Whether you are an avid wreck enthusiast or an underwater explorer seeking a unique experience, the SS Clan Stuart offers a captivating journey into the past, revealing the remnants of a bygone era beneath the azure waters of Simon's Town.