The Wreck Aquarium

The coastline of KwaZulu-Natal is both notorious and legendary for the ships, lives and cargoes that it has claimed. Between 1914 and 1945, as many as 278 ships sank along the South African coast. A large number of these were casualties of German U-boats which stealthily hunted in local waters.

Guests to the aquarium have the chance to become explorers as they arrive in the Dive Chamber of the "Wreck" aquarium, with relics associated with underwater exploration, wreck hunting and salvage found in this 1920's shipwreck. The Galleon, which sank around 1600, was one of the first ships to round our coast. It was suspected to have a valuable cargo of African gemstones on board.

The Passenger Steamer, which sank in the early 1900's, has tantalising similarities to the ill-fated Waratah which vanished without a trace. The vessel evidently sustained massive structural trauma, perhaps caused by a gigantic freak wave, which twisted some sections upside down. The Cargo Ship, presumed to have sunk in the late 1970's, shows her cargo containers still intact amidst circling sharks. Salvage of these containers was indeed difficult and dangerous under these circumstances. Finally, explorers come across the wreck of a vessel located in very deep, dark waters which, in eerie silence, gives one the impression that not all souls have left the ship. While explorers struggle to find clues in her now silent radio room - she remains the mysterious Dark Ship.