The Danger Point Lighthouse near Gansbaai will be open to the public on the following days for the months of February, March and April.
The members of the Friends of the Lighthouse Committee and Gansbaai Tourism will be on hand to share information about the lighthouse and the iconic shipwreck.
Admission to the Danger Point Lighthouse and grounds is free, but donations are welcome to contribute towards maintenance of the building and premises.
FEBRUARY:
Saturday, 25 February 2023 from 10:00 till 15:00
Sunday, 26 February 2023 from 12:00 till 15:00 (due to Birkenhead Commemoration Service)
MARCH:
Saturday, 18 March 2023 from 10:00 till 15:00
Sunday, 19 March 2023 from 10:00 till 15:00
APRIL (school holidays):
3 April – 6 April 2023 from 10:00 till 15:00
APRIL:
Saturday, 29 April 2023 from 10:00 till 15:00
Sunday, 30 April 2023 from 10:00 till 15:00
History:
The name Danger Point is derived from the treacherous reefs and rocks below the water that make it very dangerous for ships to sail close to the coast.
More than 140 ships have been wrecked and thousands of lives lost between Danger Point and Cape Infanta, to the east of Gansbaai.
This lighthouse, a white octagonal masonry tower, was constructed in 1894 (opened its doors in 1895) in order to warn ships of the dangerous reef and overlooks the Birkenhead Rock where the troopship, HMS Birkenhead, met her sad fate in the early hours of 26 February 1852; a mere 5 kms from the Danger Point shore.
The Birkenhead became famous because it was the first shipwreck where the “women and children first” protocol was applied. All women and children were saved but most of the men perished.
For more information contact Glenda Kitley 072 291 5564.
