wreck

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GWENOLA

The *Gwenola* sits upright on the seabed, a fishing trawler that met its end during a storm in 1978. It's now completely encrusted, a testament to the Cape's nutrient-rich waters. We love how the structure feels alive, constantly moving with the surge, especially on a day when the southwest swells are running. You’ll find the wheelhouse still largely intact, a dark maw inviting exploration, though we always recommend a good light and plenty of caution for penetration. What makes the *Gwenola* a standout for us isn't just the history, it’s the sheer number of shy sharks you'll spot tucked into every nook and cranny. Look closely under the plates, inside the holds, even amongst the remnants of the fishing gear. They’re everywhere, often resting in piles. We’ve also seen some impressive congregations of hottentot and strepies schooling around the mast, flashing silver as they catch the light. Visibility here can be a bit of a lottery, sometimes twenty metres, sometimes five, but even on a greener day, the wreck looms out of the murk with a real sense of drama. Best dived on a calmer morning, before the wind picks up. It’s a rewarding dive for those comfortable with deeper wrecks and keen-eyed for marine life.