An historic event that had almost everyone abuzz, locals and Helderbergers alike, was the decades-old shipwreck washed ashore by strong turbulent waters in Camps Bay last week. The Antipolis shipwreck, which reportedly had been submerged in the water off Oudekraal for some 50 years, washed up near the 12 Apostles Hotel. According to an online article, the oil tanker ran aground during a storm in July 1977 and had been sitting on the ocean floor ever since. The latest mind blowing occurrence had many flocking to the scene for a sighting of the vessel’s remains.
This highlight was, however, contrasted by tragic loss on our doorstep earlier this week. The newspaper shares in the heartache of the family of a missing teenage boy, who was found dead after presumably drowning during an outing to the beach. A body believed to be that of the 16-year-old was recovered at Strand Beach on Sunday (23 January).
Both incidents called up the realisation that the sea gives, but it also takes. The drowning brought to mind the harsh reality facing Sir Lowry’s Pass parents Gregory and Debbie Bell, who lost their daughter Abigail to the swirls in January 2016. The teen’s body was never recovered and Bells had to move forward without closure.
Let’s take heed of the sea’s beauty and all its wonders, but also all its dangers that lurk.
