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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth range at AN HUNG NO.1?
The typical diving depth at AN HUNG NO.1 is a very shallow 2 meters. This makes it an accessible site, though divers should be mindful of its exposed location.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to encounter at AN HUNG NO.1?
Divers at AN HUNG NO.1 can expect to encounter the underwater topography of a fishing vessel wreck, with portions of its hull and superstructure visible. While the data notes the historical discovery of 50 protected Jackass Penguins among its cargo, specific current marine life inhabiting the wreck is not detailed. The site primarily offers a unique wreck exploration experience.
How difficult is diving at AN HUNG NO.1, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
Diving at AN HUNG NO.1 is rated as intermediate difficulty. This means it is best suited for divers who have some experience and are comfortable with more challenging conditions than typical beginner sites. While not for absolute novices, experienced recreational divers should find it manageable.
What is the best time of year to dive at AN HUNG NO.1 for optimal visibility and conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal visibility and conditions at AN HUNG NO.1. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive operators for up-to-date information on seasonal variations. For general guidance on diving in the region, you can explore our when to dive section for Cape Town & Western Cape.
Are there any specific diving certifications or experience levels required to dive at AN HUNG NO.1?
While no specific certification is explicitly stated, the intermediate difficulty rating for AN HUNG NO.1 suggests that divers should have experience beyond entry-level. An Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience is generally recommended for sites of this nature, especially for wreck exploration.
What are the typical current strengths and water conditions like at AN HUNG NO.1?
The provided data does not specify the typical current strengths or detailed water conditions at AN HUNG NO.1. Given its location where it ran aground, it may be exposed to varying conditions, but this information is not explicitly provided. Always consult local dive centers for the most current conditions before planning your dive.