SS: Antipolis Traditional Geocache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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A waters edge cache that forms part of the Shipwreck Series. For the series methodology and more info visit SS: Shipwreck Series via the related web page link.
This derelict 24 119 ton tanker was under tow with the Romelia by a small Japanese tug Kiyo Maru No. 2 from Greece to scrap merchants in the Far East. On 28 July 1977 a north-westerly was blowing and the tug was advised by Port Control to remain away from the port limits. The tug turned out to sea intending to anchor on the lee of Robben Island.
During the afternoon the tow rope between the Antipolis and the tug snagged on the sea bed. All attempts to free it failed. The Romelia moved ahead of the Kyro Miro causing its warps to come underneath the tug. The master feared this would snag her propellers and even capsize her. Then the wire holding the Antipolis broke setting her adrift. The tug was still held by the tow rope snagged on the sea bed. This was cut by a blowtorch.
Meanwhile the tow rope to the Romelia got caught on the sea bottom. An emergency wire was connected and several unsuccessful attempts were made during the night to board the Romelia.
Finally the tow wire to the Romelia also snapped. Both tankers were now adrift and driven towards the shore by the gale.
The Antipolis ran aground here at Oudekraal; the gale had driven her right up onto the rocks. The tug Wolraad Woltemade, which had been dispatched to assist in salvage operations, abandoned her due to large holes that had been punched in her stern.
She was eventually cut down to sea level for her scrap metal. Visible 10 meters off the rocks at low tide.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Va gur ubyr gb gur evtug naq oruvaq gur jbeq Xevfgry