SAS Assegaai Makes a "Splash" in Her New Home!
We are thrilled to announce a major milestone in the preservation of South African naval history – the SAS Assegaai has finally arrived at her new permanent home!
This iconic submarine is now safely nestled in her new museum precinct, ready to educate and inspire future generations!
A Smooth (Almost) Journey
The Dockyard team deserves a round of applause for their meticulous work in preparing the Assegaai for her move. Over a busy weekend and late evenings, they fabricated and installed strengthening beams and plates, ensuring the submarine's safe journey.
The voyage itself began Friday morning, and by mid-morning, the Assegaai was underway. However, navigating the final turn into her new location proved more challenging than anticipated. Containers, lamda walls, and even a misplaced lamp post required some strategic maneuvering – all amidst squalls of rain!
Precision Docking and Future Plans
By Saturday afternoon, after a long day of meticulous adjustments, the Assegaai reached her final position. The team carefully lifted tar and broke concrete to create a safe and secure foundation for the submarine, ensuring her sonar dome remained undamaged.
The Journey Continues
While the Assegaai has reached her destination, there's still much work to be done before she's ready to welcome visitors. The dedicated Assegaai team will take a well-deserved break before reconvening on Thursday to plan the development of the "shore-side" facilities and ensure safe public access to the submarine.
The goal is to open the Assegaai Submarine Museum to the public by the Christmas holidays, offering a unique educational and historical experience for all. We'll continue to provide regular updates on progress, so stay tuned!
A Heartfelt Thank You
The Naval Heritage Trust (NHT) and the Assegaai Sub-committee extend their deepest gratitude to all the supporters who made this momentous occasion possible. Your contributions have been instrumental in preserving our naval heritage, enriching the lives of our youth, stimulating tourism, and bolstering the local economy of Simon's Town.