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Mark Milburn’s Cornish Wreck Ramblings, Part 12: Tidal Estuaries
Another instalment of Mark Milburn’s Cornish Wreck Ramblings…
Around Falmouth, we have two tidal estuaries and the biggest is the Carrick Roads. It is the end of the Fal River, where it joins other tributaries to create a one mile wide and three mile long estuary. This has helped create the third largest natural harbour in the world. Its many tributaries include the Percuil River by St Mawes, Mylor Creek, Penryn River, Restronguet Creek and others.
The other tidal estuary around Falmouth is the Helford River, which is located a few miles to the southwest of the Carrick Roads. The Helford River is nowhere near as big, or as deep as the Carrick Roads; it does sprawl almost across the entire northern edge of the Lizard peninsula.
The Carrick Roads has many wrecks; most have been salvaged at some time but there are still things to be found. The two biggest wrecks are the SS Stanwood and the massive 9,500 ton Mitera Marigo. There are also remnants of the WWII liberty ship, the George Hawley, left from a bombing raid, before it was removed after the war. One cannon was trawled up where the HMS Firebrand is thought to have caught fire and sank. There were many ships called the HMS Firebrand in the past, designed to be set on fire and sent into the enemies fleet, this one was a little premature.
There are several large ships anchors of varying ages lying around, some with chains still attached, but there’s always more being located. Coal, bottles, jugs and random crockery litter the bottom of the deep channel. During WWII Falmouth was an important wartime port, as it was during all conflicts, and all sorts of ships used to moor there. Before the D-Day landings there were ships from many nations so every now and then something turns up. An American ward room officers saucer was recently found in the channel by a local diver.
In the past, the Helford River was frequently dredged for oysters or scallops. This has destroyed anything small, of any age but there are still things there to be found. In the mouth of the river, the ship the Rock Island Bridge covers a large area but stands little more than a metre high. We have found anchors, random pieces of metal and the Bailey Bridge support pontoon. Very little of any age is found, except the odd old bottle in the Helford Pool.
I recently found a small white fibreglass upturned boat hull with a small hole in the side and another in the stern. I may go back one day, to try to turn it over to see what’s inside. I also found the outline of a hull near the river mouth; it only stood up an inch or so. After speaking to locals, there was a small yacht lost there in the 1950’s and the owner claimed £1500 for lost jewellery on board. A local diver had looked for it for 30 years without finding it. I need to find it again and have a rummage but haven’t been able to so far; it’s more than likely covered with sand again. It wasn’t far from the Parachute Mine that I found a few years ago.
In the Percuil River, a tributary of the Fal, I have recovered used 20mm shell cases. I have around two dozen so far, all reported to the Receiver of Wrecks. During WWII there was apparently an anti-aircraft gun in the Percuil River just off St Mawes, and the shell cases must have just ejected into the water after being fired. I have also found a 2” brass shell case, probably thrown overboard by a fishing boat after being trawled up. There’s been a few things of interest like a 1930’s bowl and a large clay jug with the word “Gin” embossed into it. I also keep finding huge anchors that are being used instead of mooring stones, I have not found an unattached one in there yet.
I have also found a small cabin cruiser, laying upright, within the moorings. The engine was removed before it sank by the looks of it. I wonder what its story is?
Find out more about Mark and Atlantic Scuba at www.atlanticscuba.co.uk
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Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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