Lockdown Day 442- 11 June 2021
Their history includes the story of the ship Sacramento that ran ashore on 30 June 1647, carrying a cannon as coronation gift for the King of Portugal.
Many years later in 1977, David Allen and Gerry van Niekerk found around 40 cannons believed to have been part of the cargo of the Sacramento. Among these was a 4.7m long 3.5 ton bronze cannon which is still to be seen in the Port Elizabeth Museum along with the King's present.
Later, staring at the jagged rocks between the beach and the deep sea, it wasn't hard to imagine navigating such a heavily laden ship along a mostly unknown and wild coastline.
From sea swimming experience I know the sea isn't what it seems and one can never think you know all about it. It is more unpredictable and temperamental than a gypsey and stronger than the might of two male lions fighting to stay alive.
That is also why it lures adventurers and lovers of the ocean in a strange and inexplicable way. Any person who spends time out there will tell you that respect for the sea is the only qualification needed. My thoughts go to the Titanic and the ship's builder who said, "Not even God can sink this ship."
Tonight, as I lie in bed, I look at a little card I keep next to my bed, and I say the words as I drift off, "Dear God, I'm sailing on Thy wide, wide sea: please guard my little ship for me."
#Ggt
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