Wrecks in the Isles of Scilly

Abstract

This article examines the Scilly Island’s long history of shipwrecks, their part in islanders’ lives and their 19th century relative demise through lighthouse construction and steamship development. Main issues include the islanders’ continuous acts of bravery in the rescue of victims, salvaging of ship contents, beachcombing wreckage, use and sale of salvaged goods, avoidance of Customs and Excise, claiming rewards or compensation offered and the variable nature of these. Most issues are supported by detailed reports of circumstances. Shipwreck causes are also explored through several incidents and an Appendix details in depth six of the most notable shipwrecks.

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Filed under: English Channel | Irish Sea | Other (Early Modern) | Other (Nineteenth C) | Other (Eighteenth C) | Shipwrecks
Subjects include: Lifesaving & Coastguard | Ship Handling & Seamanship