History | Helvetia Shipwreck at Rhossili Beach

Helvetia Shipwreck at Rhossili Beach

Rhossili Beach, located at the south-western tip of the Gower peninsula in South Wales, UK was voted the UKs best beach. The beach and the waters that surround it are the final resting place for many shipwrecks and their crews, due to the shallow, rocky sea bed around the Worms' Head and the infamous Helwick Sands which are just off the coast of Worms' Head and Rhossili.

This video focuses on the remains of the Helvetia, an oak-constructed barque which struck the Helwick Sands on the morning of 1st November 1887.

Gale force winds prevented the Helvetia from reaching Swansea Harbour, and while attempting to seek shelter in the anchorage
near the Mumbles' Head, the anchor dragged which lead to the ship drifting along the Bristol Channel towards the Helwick Sands.

The ship struck the Helwick Sands, however after the tide had risen sufficiently the ship broke free and drifted towards the shallow waters around Worms' Head near Rhossili. The crew subsequently abandoned ship and evacuated to the relative safety of Rhossili Beach.

The following morning, it became clear that the ship had been destroyed as the vessel now lay in pieces along Rhossili Beach, with its 500 tonne cargo of timber from New Brunswick (Eastern Canada) strewn along the beach. Fortunately though, all crew
members made to shore safely with no casualities.

The majority of the oak-hulled wreck and its cargo was salvaged by local timber merchants, whereby the timber was used locally in the contruction of houses and and farm buildings. The copper clad keel is still buried deep within the sand and despite its value, was unable to be salvaged.

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