2025 SA Agulhas II Voyage Delayed
Report from Philip Kendall
The annual SA Agulhas II voyage to Tristan da Cunha that should have departed Cape Town on the 4th September 2025 will not leave until the 16th September.
The SA Agulhas II in Cape Town harbour on the 3rd September 2025. Photo: Barry Carter
A public notice posted on the 1st September 2025 announced that the departure of the SA Agulhas II would be delayed due to unforeseen operational complexities until the 8th September. Passengers were requested to board her as originally scheduled on the 4th September, which they did. However, the departure date then slipped to the 11th September, and has since slipped further.
Administrator Philip Kendall writes:
"The ship should have arrived today [10th September], but she is still alongside in Cape Town, with a predicted departure date of Tuesday 16th September. This is seriously inconvenient for us, creating uncertainty, shortened delivery of essential services and supplies. Not to mention shortened family visits.
All Tristan passengers and cargo have been on board for a week, and are in reasonable spirits. However, although everyone is taking it in their stride for now, the longer the delay continues, patience may wear thin."
At the moment, the return sailing to Cape Town in mid-October is believed to be unaffected by this change.