The Wolves are three small rocky outcrops just over 1 mile (1.6 km) northwest of the island of Flat Holm in the Bristol Channel, approximately 1.9 miles (3.1 km) off the coast of South Wales and around 6.0 miles (9.7 km) from the coast of England. The outcrops are normally awash at high tide and are surrounded by strong tidal currents, making them a longstanding hazard to navigation in the Bristol Channel.
 The Wolves (centre) surrounded by tidal turbulence, with Flat Holm and its lighthouse to the left and Steep Holm in the distance to the right | |
 Interactive map of The Wolves | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Bristol Channel |
| Coordinates | 51°23′01″N 3°08′39″W / 51.38361°N 3.14417°W |
| Total islands | 3 |
| Administration | |
Wales | |
| Principal area | Cardiff |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
Location
editThe Wolves lie in the eastern Bristol Channel between Flat Holm and the coast of South Wales. The rocks are surrounded by strong tidal currents and areas of turbulent water.
Shipwrecks
editThe exposed rocky group measures approximately 25 metres by 20 metres and has been the site of many shipwrecks.
| Year | Vessel | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1817 | William and Mary | Sloop | Struck the rocks and foundered while en route from Bristol to Waterford with passengers.[1] |
| 1854 | St Agnes | Schooner | Foundered after grounding on The Wolves while en route from Newport to St Agnes with coal and iron.[2] |
| 1860 | Ashley Down | Craft | Stranded on The Wolves and was totally lost.[3] |
| 1878 | Feronia | Brigantine | Stranded on The Wolves while en route from Newport to Belfast with coal.[4] |
| 1892 | Esk Holme | Cargo vessel | Stranded while en route from Newport to Valencia with machinery and railway track.[5] |
| 1893 | True Blue | Cutter | Stranded on a salvage trip from Cardiff. Built in 1838, she was a wooden sailing vessel carrying a crew of four.[6] |
| 1897 | Frederick William | Ketch | Stranded while en route from Avonmouth to Swansea with maize.[7] |
| 1914 | Anna | Steamer | Caught fire while bound from Marseille to London with general cargo; rigged with auxiliary sail as either a brigantine or schooner.[8] |
Gallery
edit
Map of Flat Holm and the surrounding area in the Bristol Channel
Location of The Wolves relative to Flat Holm and the South Wales coast
Schematic map of The Wolves and two wrecks charted nearby in the Bristol Channel. The green area marks The Wolves, while the dotted line indicates an area of rough tidal water
See also
editReferences
edit- ↑ "William And Mary". Heritage Gateway. Retrieved 16 May 2026.
- ↑ "St Agnes". Heritage Gateway. Retrieved 17 May 2026.
- ↑ "Ashley Down". Heritage Gateway. Retrieved 17 May 2026.
- ↑ "Feronia". Heritage Gateway. Retrieved 17 May 2026.
- ↑ "Esk Holme". Heritage Gateway. Retrieved 17 May 2026.
- ↑ "True Blue". Heritage Gateway. Retrieved 17 May 2026.
- ↑ "Frederick William". Heritage Gateway. Retrieved 17 May 2026.
- ↑ "Anna". Heritage Gateway. Retrieved 17 May 2026.