Summary
The most visible shipwreck on Rhossili is that of the Helvetia, a Norwegian Barque that was wrecked on November 1st 1887.
Identification Images (1)
Monument Types
- WRECK (November 1st 1887, Late 19th C to Unknown - 1887 AD)
Description
The ship was bringing a cargo of 500 tons of timber from new Brunswick to Swansea. Bad weather prevented a pilot ship leaving Swansea Bay to guide the Helvetia into the harbour and in worsening weather she was forced to sail down the channel and head for the supposed safety of Rhossili Bay. The ship managed to anchor off the N side of Worms Head but a change in wind direction blew the ship onto rocks. The coastguard managed to get across to Worms Head and fixed a rocket line to the boat, bringing one man ashore. The remaining men tried to stay with the boat but were eventually forced to come ashore in the ships rowing boat as the Helvetia began to break apart. The cargo was washed ashore, salvaged and stacked above high water. The wood was later auctioned, much of it going to the original consignees at a greatly reduced price, much would also no doubt have been picked up and re-used by locals.
The wooden skeleton of a section of the hull is still visible protruding under the sand, with differing tides occasionally revealing more of the structure.
References
- SZO50084 - National Trust Report: Philip Poucher. 2003-4. South-West Gower Properties Rhossili-Mewslade 2003-4 - The National Trust Archaeological Survey.
Designations
None Recorded
Other Statuses and References
- Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- HER/SMR Reference (External): 3024w
- Heritage Coast
Associated Events
- ENA3015 - Field Survey, South-West Gower Properties Rhossili-Mewslade, Philip Poucher 2003-4 - The National Trust Archaeological Survey
Associated Finds
None Recorded
Related Records
None Recorded