AN HUNG NO.1

Best months: Mar

Protected Area

Dyer Island Nature Reserve Complex

Why dive here

With 269+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales and great white sharks - AN HUNG NO.1 offers some of Cape Town & Western Cape's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 14-16°C, warmest February, March, April.

Best timeMar

WetsuitA 7mm wetsuit with a hood

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Blue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales and Great White Sharks · 269+ species recorded

Water14-16°C · warmest February, March, April

CharacterWreck dive · max 2m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

The An Hung No.1, oh, this one’s a quirky delight. We’re talking about a fishing vessel, sunk in 1990 after running aground just east of Danger Point, and it’s now lying in just two metres of water. We love a wreck that’s practically a snorkel, and this one delivers. It’s an easy dip, no tricky currents, just pull on your mask and fins. The wreck itself is well-broken, with bits of hull and superstructure spread across the seabed, but it’s still distinct enough to feel like a proper wreck dive, just in miniature. The steel plates are covered in a thick carpet of sea anemones and kelp, swaying gently with the surge. You’ll see schools of juvenile fish darting between the rusty ribs, and often a few shy octopus tucked into crevices. Our favourite part? Peering into the remains of the wheelhouse, imagining the chaos that must have unfolded. It’s a great spot for a relaxed afternoon with a camera, perfect for anyone who loves exploring history without the depth.

Typical AN HUNG NO.1 Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Cold water this month (avg 15°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.

Today05:0717:5312h 47m daylightGolden hour 17:20

AN HUNG NO.1 Wreck History

Year Sunk

1990

Vessel Type

fishing vessel

Cause

grounding

The An Hung No. 1 was a Taiwanese fishing vessel whose final voyage came to an abrupt end on May 22, 1990. While on passage from Cape Town to Mauritius, the ship ran hard aground just east of Danger Point, a notoriously treacherous stretch of coastline. The crew was forced to abandon ship, but tragically, one life was lost in the incident. During the subsequent salvage and cleanup operations, a surprising discovery was made in the cargo hold: 50 protected Jackass (African) penguins, which were rescued and rehabilitated.

Today, the remains of the An Hung No. 1 lie in extremely shallow water, at a depth of only 2 meters. This makes the wreck highly accessible, not just for novice divers but also for snorkelers and freedivers. What remains of the hull is scattered across the seabed, providing shelter for a variety of local marine life. While the structure is broken up, it serves as a poignant reminder of the power of the sea and the strange twist of fate that turned a maritime disaster into a penguin rescue mission.