The “Odd” (a small whaler wreck) in Vetch’s Harbour is the one that best matches your description: it’s a shallow wreck visible from the beach/surface and a popular local dive site.
Quick History
- The Odd was a small whaling vessel (a catcher boat) that sank in March 1949 near the entrance to what is now Vetch’s Harbour (also called Vetchies), just north of Durban’s main harbour mouth.
- It reportedly arrived off Durban after a day of whale hunting and was attempting to enter the harbour when it was lost (details of the exact cause are a bit murky, but it was likely due to conditions near the harbour).
Why It’s Visible from the Beach
- The wreck lies parallel to the beach in shallow water (about 7 metres / 23 feet maximum depth).
- Parts like the boilers, mast, bow, and stern are often visible from the surface, especially at low tide or in calm, clear conditions.
- It’s located right at the entrance to Vetch’s Harbour / near the North Pier — a spot locals and beachgoers can see from shore or while walking on Vetch’s Pier.
As a Dive Site
- Very accessible: Shallow depth makes it suitable for snorkelers, beginners, and training dives (often done as a shore or short boat dive).
- Features: Relatively intact on the seaward side (though partly sanded over); the leeward side is more broken up. Home to lots of marine life, including juvenile fish, lionfish, scorpionfish, and butterflyfish.
- Conditions: Best in calm seas — it can be affected by swell and boat traffic from the mini harbour.
- It’s one of several wrecks in the immediate Durban harbour area, often dived by clubs like the Durban Undersea Club.
Comparison to Ovington Court
You might also hear about the Ovington Court (1940), which ran aground on Addington Beach during a storm. Its remains (mainly boilers and engine block) are visible at very low tide from the beach, but it’s less of a proper dive site today — more of a historical landmark with limited underwater structure left.
The Odd is the better fit for a proper dive site that’s consistently accessible and visible in the water near the beach.
If this isn’t the one you had in mind (or if you want details on Coopers Light Wreck, which is a deeper, more substantial unknown wreck off the Bluff), let me know more specifics! Durban has quite a few wrecks in the harbour vicinity due to its busy port history.
