20/05/2026
PUBLIC NOTICE
Bitou Municipality wishes to inform all residents and members of the public that any material, wood, debris, or artefacts believed to be linked to the recently exposed shipwreck site in the Plettenberg Bay area constitute a protected heritage resource in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act.
Members of the public are therefore strongly urged not to remove, damage, disturb, collect, or interfere with any part of the site or any objects associated with it.
The Shipwreck and related remains form part of South Africa’s protected cultural and historical heritage and may not be salvaged or removed without the necessary legal authorisation from the relevant heritage authorities.
The Municipality requests the cooperation of all residents and visitors in preserving and respecting this potentially significant heritage site while the necessary assessments and investigations are undertaken by the appropriate authorities.
Any suspicious activity or removal of material from the site should be reported to the relevant authorities immediately.
Bitou Municipality thanks the public for their understanding and cooperation in protecting our shared heritage.
Issued by Bitou Municipality Corporate Communications on Behalf of Acting Municipal Manager, Mr FR Williams
19 May 2026