It’s a final farewell for a piece of naval history, the SAS Somerset, which has, for years, gradually been sinking into obscurity in a corner of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront marina. The boom defence vessel was once used to protect harbours from submarine attacks, by setting underwater defences. However since retirement she has fallen into disrepair to the point where she was considered a health hazard.
Last month she was shifted to her final resting place, the Robinson Dry Dock, where she will be cut up for scrap.
She was decommissioned in 1988 and was only remaining boom defence vessel of 76 built, according to one maritime source. “This brings to close another chapter of maritime history in the Cape,” said one commentator on a popular Cape Town boating WhatsApp group.
Pictures of the vessel moving out of the marina briefly raised hopes that she may be restored and preserved for prosperity, but it is not to be.
