Page 454 - The British Big Four
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APOLLO (1890) This 36’ (11m), two-masted American Schooner was PELINAION (1940) This 4,291-ton, 385’-long by 50’-beam (117m by
bound from Turks Island to Nova Scotia with a load of salt when she 17m) Greek Steamer was heading from West Africa to Baltimore when
succumbed to Bermuda’s reefs and sank in just 20’ (6m) of water. she struck the reef right here off St. David’s Island. Now she rests at
DEVIL’S HOLE In the corner of Harrington Sound is a large sinkhole, 55’ (17m) depth, but rises to within 10’ (3m) of the surface. Divers
the result of a collapsed subterranean cave, which exchanges water explore her huge boilers and engine room, and check out a huge spare
from the Atlantic. The result is a large, beautiful, natural aquarium prop, still strapped to her deck.
with reef fish, morays and green sea turtles. Tourists have checked out RITA ZOVETTA (ZOVETTO) (1924) This 5,107-ton, 400’ (120m)
the Devil’s Hole Aquarium from platforms, but divers explore the shal- Italian Steamer was en route from the Black Sea to Baltimore with a
low cave openings, and especially enjoy night diving here. 10’ (3m) load of manganese ore when she missed the channel and ran into solid
depth. rock. The crew was saved, and the cargo was salvaged. She sits from
KATE (1878) Nearly all of the 3,602 bales of cotton cargo were saved 20’ (6m) to 70’ (21m) deep outside the breakers, and is penetrable for
after this 200’ (61m) English Steamer struck a reef and had to be courageous divers.
grounded. Divers today check out her boilers, engine, prop shaft and WYCHWOOD (1955) This 2,506-ton, 302’ (92m) English Steamer
winches. Her propeller sits on top of the reef in 20’ (6m) of water, but was sailing from Nova Scotia to Trinidad with a load of Baryte to be
the Kate sits at 45’ (14m) depth. used in the processing of sugar. But she ran aground in just 18’ (5.5m)
SOUTH SHORE CORAL REEF PRESERVE Bermuda laws protect all of water, while yet 10 miles from the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. She was
corals from damage and specifically prohibits removing any marine towed off the reef, and was anchored at Five Fathom Hole to await re-
organisms live or dead, even shells, from the Coral Reef Preserves. pairs, but the next day an incoming hurricane turned the leaking into a
H.M.S. CERBERUS (1783) This 126’ (38m) English Frigate with 32 flood, and she went down in 50’ (15m) to 60’ (18m) of water. She was
guns hit the reef and sank coming out of Castle Harbour. She is also blown up because she was a navigational hazard, so now her remains
called the “Musketball Wreck”, because so much shot has been found are scattered.
in and around her remnants. After she sank the British Admiralty for-
bade the use of Castle Harbour for anchorage for Her Majesty’s Ships.
KATHERINE (1763) All that remains of this English Brigantine is
some ballast and timbers. Five lives were lost when she went down en
route from Philadelphia to Jamaica.
