British troopship wrecked – 372 drown

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.