The Danger Point Lighthouse was open to the public from 16-18 June, and no fewer than 390 visitors climbed the tower and 162 signed the visitors’ book.
Thursday and Friday dawned bright and sunny, and the first people arrived at 10:00 when the lighthouse opened its doors. From then on there was a constant flow of people for the next three days.
On Saturday a spectacular rainbow followed the cold front, but the doors closed at 14:30 as the rain was pouring down with no sign of letting up.
“It was such a festive and happy atmosphere,” says Overstrand Executive Mayor Dr Annelie Rabie. “It gladdens the heart to see families and groups making the effort to visit the lighthouse on open weekends.” She emphasised no tours were allowed during the Covid 19 lockdown period.
Rabie thanked Gansbaai Tourism, resident historian John McGregor, who regaled the visitors with his stories which were really enjoyed, Johan le Roux who took groups down to the blowhole as well as the volunteers, including Barnie Germishuys (who is the liaison between the municipality, Transnet and the lighthouse keeper) for their commitment and time offered.
Among most of the local visitors and those from Cape Town, visitors included people from the UK visiting their children, a man from Ireland and holidaymakers from Gauteng.
The next open weekend will be 16-18 July, and it is really hoped businesses and families will use this opportunity, and their 67 minutes of service, to come and experience this iconic historical fixture of the Overstrand.
The Danger Point Lighthouse is located close to the relatively remote town of Kleinbaai in Gansbaai, famous for its white shark diving tourism.
Although never part of international maritime law and practice at the time it sank into the deep off Danger Point in February 1852, the HMS Birkenhead drill of “Women and Children first!” is now practised internationally as a standard evacuation procedure.
Of the 643 passengers on board, an estimated 193 people only – including all the women and children – survived the tragedy. The rest either drowned, died of exposure or were killed by sharks.
Contact Glenda Kitley, manager of Gansbaai Tourism, on 072 291 5564 for more information on the Danger Point Lighthouse and the history of its maritime importance.