Eventually it evolved into Waenhuiskrans. One of the biggest shipping tragedies took place here in 1815, when the troopship Arniston carrying a large number of sick men en route from Ceylon to England, went down and 372 lives were lost. Only six men survived. The parents of four children who died in the wreck, placed a memorial stone at the scene of the tragedy. This memorial was later moved to a place near the beach and the village also became known as Arniston.

The Arniston Hotel

Near Waenhuiskrans is the Struispunt beacon which was built at the beginning of the 1900s. It has a sandstone base with a huge bronze ball on top. This beacon serves as extra warning for ships and was built after the luxury liner Queen of the Thames was wrecked on her maiden voyage. Visitors often walk to the beacon, five kilometres south of the village.When Waenhuiskrans was established in 1905, the fishing community applied for the protection of their fishing rights. This led to a 200 foot (66 metre) red line above the high water mark being registered. This unique servitude is still valid.

The popular Arniston Hotel , an art gallery and crafters’ centre are some of the attractions for holiday makers and residents. The quaint fishermen’s cottages are much photographed. The Post Office considers Waenhuiskrans as the correct name for the village although Arniston is accepted as a de facto alternative owing to the widespread use.

This story was originally published in "The Overberg - Historical Anecdotes", written by SJ du Toit. The book is available from bookshops and tourism bureaux in the Overberg or from the author:
Huis Lettie Theron, Private Bag X03, Hermanus, 7200
Tel: +27 (0)28-313 2031