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KATSU MARU NO 25

The Katsu Maru No 25 is a real treat, especially if you’re into the historical side of wreck diving. We love that it's a wreck with a story; a fishing vessel that capsized after a collision in 1978, then was refloated, only to sink again in Hout Bay. That makes for some interesting exploration down at 25 metres. Dropping down onto her, you’ll find her mostly intact, lying on her port side. The wheelhouse is still recognisable, a ghost of its working days, and we always find ourselves drawn to peer through the windows, imagining the frantic scene back in ‘78. Visibility can be a bit variable here, but on a good day, the light penetrates enough to illuminate the thick kelp swaying around her superstructure, creating these dramatic shadows. We've seen some impressive schools of juvenile hottentot hanging around the deeper sections of the wreck, and crayfish are often tucked into any available crevice. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, perfect for those who like to combine a bit of history with their marine life spotting.