Page 73 - KBHA BULLETIN 5

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later, but the ensuing Anglo-Boer War and subsequent economic depression delayed

development considerably. It was only after Union that real progress was made.

The construction of the railway along the shoreline from Muizenberg to Simon's Town was, in

itself a disaster. It went ahead despite many protests and when it was extended from Kalk Bay to
Simon’s Town in 1890 and had cut through the heart of Fishery Beach, which was the hub of all

activities in Kalk Bay, much protesting was heard, but to no avail.

By dividing the beach with a stone viaduct little attention had been given to the plight of the

fishermen. It was only after the building of the breakwater that relief from prevailing storms was
obtained. The fishermen were again, however, divided by the construction of the breakwater as

now motor vessels could take refuge in Kalk Bay. This would create strong competition to their

sailing and rowing boats in the bringing of fish to the market. Their arguments were not without
foundation but the protection of the fleet, was, however, paramount.

Another disaster, which resulted in the loss of life, occurred in November 1901 when the crew of

a Simon’s Town boat was caught in a bad storm off Fish Hoek and several men set out from
Kalk Bay in the Louise to help. They managed, under difficult conditions, to rescue only two of

the seven crew. Skipper Andrew Francis, Thomas Fernandez (grandson of Staggie Fernandez,

one of the original Filipino settlers) and the rest of the crew were awarded medals for bravery by
the Royal Humane Society of London. A relief fund for the families of the five men who

perished was set up by Rev. Father Duignam and Archdeacon Richard Brooke (Figs. 4.5 & 4.6),
and was generously supported by the public who could make donations at the local municipal

offices in Muizenberg. After this tragedy a request was made for a lifeboat to be stationed at

Kalk Bay, but to no avail.

The wreck of the trawler Rex on 3 October 1903, however, had a happy ending in that no loss of
life occurred, but the wreck put paid to the fortunes of her owners, the False Bay Fish and Cold

Storage Company which went into liquidation soon afterwards.

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