Wreck of the Kadie

A shipping service along the coast between Breede River and Cape Town provided a welcome alternative to the arduous wagon journey. A thriving river and coastal trade was developed by a Scotsman Benjamin Moodie and later Joseph Barry and Nephews in the 19th century.

By opening a sea route from Cape Town to the Swellendam area, these gentlemen were able to undercut land based transport companies. Fresh water was transported in flat bottom boats from Malgas to Port Beaufort 48 kms down stream at the mouth.

One of the more famous steamers was the 158 ton Kadie. Malgas became a bustling social and business centre due to the inland harbour and the pontoon ferry service. The village peaked in the 1860’s, when it boasted a hotel, boarding house shop stores a school, church gaol and powder store.

Finally the demise of the “SS Kadie”, a 158 ton steamer, which was wrecked entering the Breede River Mouth, coupled with the death of Barry in 1864 led to the collapse of the empire. Parts of the wreck can still be found close to Infanta at the river mouth.