Diving Aliwal Shoal/MV Produce

Access
The site can only be accessed by boat. It is about 3 km from the launch site at Mkomazi River mouth.

Position
This site is in a Marine Protected Area. A permit is required for access.
 * S 30°11.320' E 30°49.743'

Historical context
The MV Produce was a 176 m long Norwegian bulk molasses carrier that sank on 11 August 11 1974 after colliding with the north-eastern pinnacle of the shoal. The captain was allegedly “napping” at the time of the collision. The ship started listing rapidly and the crew had less than 30 minutes to abandon ship. She sank within four hours and came to rest on her starboard (right) side on the sand at 32 m, north west of the mouth of the Mkomazi River. Local commercial fisherman, SAS Oranjeland and an air force helicopter saved all the crew members.

The back of the ship is broken with the midship largely collapsed. However, her bow and stern are largely intact. It is possible to swim between the bow and the stern.

Depth
Depth 16 m at top of wreck, 32 m on the sand.

Visibility
Visibility varies from good to bad, but is frequently in the order of 10 m.

Water Temperature
Around 22 degrees C.

Topography
The wreck lies on flat sand at 32 m.

Marine life
The wreck is home to many fish species, including game such as salmon and kingfish, as well as the endemic and scarce Harlequin goldie. Brindle bass is sometimes encountered in the hold of the ship.

Hazards
Penetration of the wreck is likely to be hazardous. The current is often strong and divers are washed off the wreck.

Skills
This is an advanced dive, due to the depth and the currents often encountered. Therefore this dive should be conducted in weak current conditions.

Equipment
Standard recreational dive gear is sufficient for inspecting the sides and the superstructure of the wreck. Use of nitrox would lengthen dive time. A dive torch is recommended.