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SAS Pietermaritzburg, wreck

The SAS Pietermaritzburg, just off Miller’s Point, has a real story to tell, even if she's falling apart a bit these days. We love that she's so accessible; a short swim from shore and you're dropping onto a piece of naval history. What you’ll find is a destroyer escort, mostly intact, lying in about 20 metres of water. We always head for the bridge area first; it’s still recognisable, and you can picture the crew there. Visibility here averages around 7 metres, so it's not always super clear, but that adds to the atmospheric dive. We've seen some impressive schools of hottentot and strepies darting through the superstructure. Look closely at the plates and you'll spot scorpionfish tucked into crevices and common octopuses peering out. Our favourite is spotting the double-sash butterflyfish flitting around the old deck guns. This site is perfect for divers who appreciate a wreck with character, where the marine life has truly made itself at home amongst the deteriorating metal. Expect a relaxed dive, plenty of exploration, and a good chance to spot some interesting critters.