The rusted hull
A brown mass above the waves.
Miguel Discart — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Miguel Discart — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Miguel Discart — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Miguel Discart — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Miguel Discart — CC BY-SA 2.0
The Cabo Santa Maria wreck is the hull of a Spanish cargo ship that ran aground in 1968 off the north coast of Boa Vista, its rusting remains still lying offshore. It has become a symbol of the island, seen on postcards and in books, and is a regular stop on island trips, a strange sight above turquoise water. The ship was launched on 20 December 1955, 131.40 metres long, and served between Europe and South America. On 1 September 1968 she grounded on a sandbank in Salinas Bay on her way to Rio de Janeiro, and all 37 crew were safe. Attempts to refloat her failed. Her cargo of oil, olives, flour and other goods helped feed islanders during a time of drought and hunger. You see the brown rusted mass above the waves, close to shore, worn away year after year by storms and surf. The sand is white, sometimes covered with seaweed, and the water a blue-green. This part of Atalanta beach is popularly called Cabo Santa Maria beach. The wreck is 6.3 km in a straight line north-east of Sal Rei, reached by a dirt road, so a four-wheel drive or organised trip is best. Do not swim out to it, as currents are strong and the metal dangerous. UK advice is to swim only where a lifeguard is on duty, and watch for waves at the edge. Bring water and a hat, avoid going alone and watch your belongings.
A brown mass above the waves.
Strong colour near shore.
Wide white sand.
Atalanta beach, north coast of Boa Vista island
Do not swim out, as the current is strong, and view it from the beach.
Yes, reports say all 37 crew were safe.