The wreck of the Het Huis te Kraaiestein
At a site within the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area lies the “Het Huis te Kraaiestein” This was a Dutch ship weighing 120,154 tons that was built in 1697. It was built at the Zeeland Yard for the Zeeland Chamber of the Dutch East India Company. The ship was commanded by Jan van de Vijver and in 1698 on its maiden voyage, it was wrecked on the rocks near Oudekraal S33°58.85’ E018°21.65’. A thick mist rolled in as the ship attempted to find its way into Table Bay. Fortunately, no lives were lost.
The Het Huis te Kraaiestein was carrying a cargo of 19 chests of pieces of eight. 3 of these chests were not recovered and the word “Geldkis” appears on contemporary maps of the area.
The remains of the ship lie 10 metres underwater, and all that can be seen are broken apart pieces. However, there are two large cannons that had been on the ship that can be explored.
(Image: A piece of eight)
