Page 61 - Bulletin 11 2007
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Interestingly, too, the incomplete breakwater at Kalk Bay was used as a transfer point for
heavy equipment destined for the Naval Base. Supplies would be railed from Cape Town,
moved a short distance past Kalk Bay and then be reversed onto the service line crossing
the Point and running out onto the breakwater. Here the heavy crane that was placing the
concrete blocks on the breakwater would load the equipment into lighters moored against
the breakwater. They would then be towed by tugs directly into the dock basin. This was an
easier operation than dragging the equipment there by road from Simon’s Town station.
But there were also the local tragedies.
Weekly Cape Times and Farmers’ Record: 30 October, 1914.
MOTOR CYCLE IN COLLISION
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Fatality at Kalk Bay
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A sad accident occurred at Kalk Bay, which has resulted in the death of Hendries
Loubser, a private in the C.P.R. Deceased was riding a motor cycle in the early hours of the
morning on the Main Road at Kalk Bay when he collided with a fish cart. He was picked up
in an unconscious condition and conveyed to Simon’s Town Hospital, where he succumbed
to his injuries shortly after being admitted.
Deceased, who was well known in the Peninsula, was very popular, and his death
will be regretted by a wide circle of friends.
In December 1916 there was a fatal accident at sea off Kalk Bay.
Cape Times Weekly Edition: 15 December, 1916.
Boating Fatality at Kalk Bay
Mr David Rainy Menzies of Osborne Villas, Sea Point, leaves a young widow and two
children. He was a member of the Metropolitan Golf Club and Green and Sea Point Bowls
Club, and partner in the firm Menzies and Birse, Attorneys. He went to Kalk Bay to go
sailing with Mr Charles Broker. A strong south westerly was blowing though it was calm in
the harbour. They set off with half-reefed sails in the direction of Simon’s Town at 11.30
a.m. About 500 yards out a heavy swell struck the boat which sank. The occupants hung
onto the oars and Mr Broker was rescued by a motor fishing boat but Mr Menzies
disappeared as the boat approached him.