The British troopship Arniston was wrecked on the rocks at what is now called Arniston in Marcus Bay, about twenty-five kilometres from Cape Agulhas. Of the 378 people on board, only six survived. The wreck was caused by strong Southerly winds blowing towards Cape Agulhas. Two men searching for lost cattle at Arniston discovered the ship fourteen days after it was wrecked.
30 May 1815
British troopship wrecked – 372 drown
- Updated
- 30 Sep 2019

How we know this
- 01Siyabona Africa, To the Foot of Africa - 345km, [online],Available at www.southafrica.org.za ,[Accessed: 28 MAY 2013]
Last updated · 30 Sep 2019
South African History Online. (2011, March 16). British troopship wrecked – 372 drown. South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0010897
South African History Online (2011) 'British troopship wrecked – 372 drown', South African History Online, 16 March. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0010897 (Accessed: 13 October 2026).
South African History Online, British troopship wrecked – 372 drown [website], https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0010897, (accessed 13 October 2026).
"British troopship wrecked – 372 drown." South African History Online, 16 Mar. 2011, https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0010897. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.
South African History Online. "British troopship wrecked – 372 drown." South African History Online. March 16, 2011. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0010897.
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