Jahleel shipwreck (2003)
The Jahleel, a diamond gravel boat, ran aground at Hondeklip Bay in 2003 due to strong winds. Located in the middle of the bay around which Hondeklip is developed, you can’t miss this attraction on your visit to Hondeklip Bay.
During a strong West Coast storm, the Jahleel sought refuge in Port Nolloth, but she was refused safe port because there wasn’t an anchor that could hold her. The desperate crew decided to drop anchor in the Hondeklip Bay in 2003.
The owner of the ship was in Port Elizabeth at the time and he refused to listen to both the vain attempts to warn him against the small harbor and the fact that the anchor ropes were too weak to hold the ship.
After about two weeks of bobbing and weaving in the cold bay, a storm broke loose, destroying the back anchor and two diamond boats. The front anchor was tore away and the ship was taken into the sea. At this time, there was no crew on board.
The Jahleel shipwreck still lies on its side in Hondeklip Bay, a swaying perch for sea birds in the cold Atlantic ocean.
Driving around Hondeklip Bay/Hondeklipbaai
Driving around Hondeklip Bay/Hondeklipbaai:
One of the best ways to explore the region around Hondeklip Bay (Hondeklipbaai) is to get into your car (preferably a 4 x 4 vehicle) and drive all along the coastline. Whether you head south or north, you will find great views, small beaches, fully equipped braai spots and exciting attractions.
You can visit the lighthouse, the shipwrecks and enjoy the beauty of unspoiled beaches.
Take a look at some of the views you can get from your car in Hondeklip Bay in the gallery below:
The Hondeklip (dog stone)
The Dog Stone is a big gneiss rock that so closely resembled a dog, it inspired Thomas Grace to name Hondeklipbaai, which means “Dog Stone Bay”.
In 1853 the “Dog” was defaced when its ear was chopped of and taken to Cape Town in order to start the fictitious “Dog’s Ear Copper Company”. During a severe lightning storm in the 1970s, it lost its nose as well.
At the Honnehokke, there are five resident Yorkies who bask in the sun like rock lizards. True to the heritage of the town, the Honnehokke Resort is pet-friendly. To read more about the petiquette at the Honnehokke, click here.
Boland Digital