AN HUNG NO.1 - Cape Town & Western Cape

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.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.608334, 19.393333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - AN HUNG NO.1

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.

Marine Protected Area: Dyer Island Nature Reserve Complex

Best Time to Dive in Cape Town & Western Cape

The warmest water temperatures in Cape Town & Western Cape occur in January, averaging 18.9°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 18.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 18.9°C (air: 20.8°C)
  • February: 18.9°C (air: 20.7°C)
  • March: 18.9°C (air: 19.5°C)
  • April: 18.9°C (air: 17.3°C)
  • May: 18.9°C (air: 15.8°C)
  • June: 18.9°C (air: 15.0°C)
  • July: 18.9°C (air: 13.2°C)
  • August: 18.9°C (air: 13.2°C)
  • September: 18.9°C (air: 13.9°C)
  • October: 18.9°C (air: 16.5°C)
  • November: 18.9°C (air: 17.8°C)
  • December: 18.9°C (air: 19.3°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Cape Town & Western Cape

Nearest Dive Centres to AN HUNG NO.1

Marine Life in Cape Town & Western Cape

Home to 271 recorded species including 176 reef fish, 45 sharks & rays, 28 whales & dolphins, 5 hard corals, 4 other, 4 octopus & squid.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for AN HUNG NO.1

Based on average water temperature of 18.9°C.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 19°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories