H.C. RICHARDS - Cape Town & Western Cape

The H.C. Richards isn’t a deep dive, not even close. At a max of three metres, it's more of a snorkel or a very relaxed dive, but don't let that fool you. This is an old iron hulk, formerly the Emily Faithfull, dismasted off the Cape and then scuttled to form part of a jetty in Salamander Bay. We love how the shallow depth brings the wreck’s rusty skeleton into sharp relief, especially on a sunny day when the light catches the barnacle-encrusted plates. What you get here is pure texture. The wreck is a mosaic of rust and growth, a fantastic macro playground. Look for pipefish tucked into crevices and small crabs scuttling across the decaying metal. It’s not about big pelagics here, it’s about slow exploration and appreciation for how nature reclaims man-made structures. We'd suggest going at high tide for the best visibility, as the bay can get a bit stirred up. It’s our pick for a leisurely afternoon dive, perfect for photographers or anyone keen to just potter about and soak in a bit of Cape history without the pressure of depth or currents.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-33.074165, 17.996666
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Marine Protected Area: Jutten Island Marine Protected Area

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 H.C. RICHARDS

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 H.C. RICHARDS

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 depth range for diving the H.C. Richards shipwreck in Lake Michigan?
The H.C. Richards shipwreck is actually located in Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, not Lake Michigan. Divers can explore this fascinating wreck at a very shallow depth of 3 meters. This makes it an accessible dive for many enthusiasts looking to experience a historical wreck.
What kind of marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see at the H.C. Richards dive site?
At the H.C. Richards dive site, divers will primarily encounter the rusty hulk of an Iron/Steel Vessel, formerly known as the EMILY FAITHFULL. This condemned and scuttled wreck, which forms part of a jetty in Salamander Bay, is the main historical artifact to explore. While the provided data doesn't specify particular marine life, wrecks often attract various species, making it a potential spot for observing local aquatic inhabitants.
How challenging is the H.C. Richards shipwreck dive, and is it suitable for advanced open water divers?
The H.C. Richards shipwreck dive is classified as having an intermediate difficulty. This suggests it is suitable for divers with some experience beyond basic open water certification, including advanced open water divers who are comfortable with wreck diving fundamentals. Its shallow depth of 3 meters contributes to its accessibility for those with intermediate skills.
What are the best months or seasons to dive the H.C. Richards shipwreck for optimal visibility and weather conditions?
The provided data for the H.C. Richards shipwreck does not specify the best months or seasons for optimal visibility and weather conditions. For general guidance on diving in the Cape Town & Western Cape region, you might consult our When to Dive section for broader seasonal insights. Local dive operators would also be an excellent resource for current conditions.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications, like wreck diver or dry suit, required to explore the H.C. Richards site?
While the H.C. Richards dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty, the provided data does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications like wreck diver or dry suit. Given its shallow depth of 3 meters and intermediate rating, divers should possess at least an Open Water certification with some experience, and potentially advanced training for enhanced safety and enjoyment around wrecks. Always check with local dive centers for their specific recommendations.
What are the typical current strengths and water visibility conditions encountered at the H.C. Richards dive site?
The provided data for the H.C. Richards dive site does not include specific details regarding typical current strengths or water visibility conditions. For the most up-to-date information on these environmental factors, it is always best to consult with local dive operators in the Cape Town & Western Cape area before planning your dive.