The wreckage of the ship Cabo de Santa Maria, can be found on Praia de Atalanta on the northern part of the island of Boa Vista – one of the islands of the Republic of Cape Verde, an island nation on an archipelago of volcanic origin in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwestern coast of Africa.
In the northern part of Boa Vista on the Praia de Atalanta you will find the wreckage of a Spanish freighter that ran aground in the fall of 1968. The Cabo Santa Maria was on its way to Brazil and Argentina and carried medicines, clothing, food and drinks to the supporters of the government of the Spanish dictator Francisco Franco. Among the goods transported were personal gifts from the leader of Spain: sports cars, mechanisms, porcelain.
A significant proportion of the Boa Vista population, including children, as well as government officials and machinists from other islands, were mobilized to unload the vessel.
The wreckage of the ship remains off the coast and slowly collapses. After nearly 50 years of continuous exposure to wind and waves, much of the deck and hold disappeared into the Atlantic Ocean. Today the abandoned ship is a kind of tourist attraction and attracts artists and photographers from all over the world.
Access : Coordinates: 16.2027, -22.8651 / The wreckage located on the northern part of the island of Boa Vista– Republic of Cape Verde.
Highlights :
- The view of the old ship against the background of fine white sand and sky-blue water of the ocean fascinates with its contrast and attracts photographers and artists to these places.
- Several local tour operators offer excursions around the island, by land and by sea. It is also possible to participate in underwater fishing trips and to observe the local marine fauna.
- The beach, near which the ship ran aground,( Praia de Atalanta ) is covered with fine white sand.The beach forms a part of Boa Esperança Nature Reserve which also includes the beaches of Sobrado and Copinha.
Go next : Sal Rei , a city on the northwestern coast of the island of Boa Vista in eastern Cape Verde./ Viana Desert / Rabil , a town on the island of Boa Vista, Cape Verde.
