On 25 May 1978, the SA Navy hydrographic survey vessel, the SAS PROTEA under command of Capt C.J.H. Wagenfeld rescued twenty-six crew members from the Japanese crab fishing boat, the Kaiyo Maru No 1, which foundered off the Skeleton Coast of Namibia. Shortly thereafter, PROTEA was involved in another mercy mission to evacuate a heart attack victim from the tanker Texaco Sweden off the Namibian coast. SAS PROTEA was justly rewarded that year with the award of the SA Navy Sword of Peace for humanitarian efforts.
Article from The Citizen reporting on the recue
Rear Admiral Bernard Teuteberg (retired) provided a detailed account of how the rescue effort unfolded on 25 May 1978:
“I remember the day very well. I was working on one of the survey boats (running lines to and from the coast out to the 50 m isobath) in the company of the other survey boat (Pikkewyn and Skimmer). The PRO was operating out of sight to the north of us. We received a radio transmission from the ship, ordering us to cease survey operations and make our way north at best speed in order to join the ship.
PRO had received the distress call from the Kaiyo Maru and had determined that the stranding was to the north of her...
A city steeped in military history gives locals and visitors a glimpse into the past. The abundance of museums and memorials ensure that the city’s military past is remembered.
'Military history is an integral part of the story of Cape Town. Being the oldest city in South Africa, Cape Town has a rich history and the military plays a large part in that story. We cannot erase this history but instead need to preserve it as part of our heritage and an inclusive city. It is interesting to see where and how it all started,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Tourism, Events and Economic Development, Councillor Eddie Andrews.
The launch of the Military Heritage Route is a part of the City of Cape Town’s culture and heritage strategy. The route, which includes the Castle of Good Hope, the South African Naval Museum in Simon’s Town, and the Chavonnes Battery Museum, showcases the rich military heritage that Cape Town has to offer Capetonians and visitors.
The map from the launches that happened during September 2016
The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest surviving building in South Africa’s colonial era and has been the centre of civilian, political and military life at the Cape since 1666. It was initially erected as a fort and about 13 years later (1679) was turned into the Castle of...
