Archaeological remains associated with the loss of this vessel are not confirmed as present at this location, but may be in the vicinity.

Event and Historical Information:
The HELEN CAMPBELL was a 275nt wooden barque built in 1860 by Hawkinson of Weymouth, Nova Scotia. At the time of loss, 3 December 1863, the vessel was owned by C Campbell junior of Weymouth, Nova Scotia and captained by William O'Brien. The Holyhead Bay Board of Trade Wreck Return reports The HELEN CAMPBELL 'Sailed from Dundalk on 02.12 at 1 pm, but at 7 a.m. the following day, the wind now NW and blowing a hurricane, she entered Holyhead Bay under close-reefed fore-topsail only, the remainder of her canvas having been blown away, as well as her main yard and all attached sail. In running before the gale into the harbour her wheel-chains gave way, and unable to repair them was forced to anchor when nearly abreast of the lightship. Here the crew cut away the foremast, but one chain of 45 fathoms parted and she drove on the rocks near Tremadog, on the east side of Holyhead Harbour. With great difficulty a line was rigged to the shore and assisted by people on the beach, the crew succeeded in reaching safety, but all were completely exhausted. The master was of the opinion that the loss on the said ship amounted to £3,000, but nothing on the cargo, and he was unaware as to the amount of insurance carried'.

Sources include:
Board of Trade Wreck Return Holyhead Bay 3 December 1863 pg 4(346) & pg 23(665)
Larn and Larn Shipwreck Database 2002
Lloyds Register of British and Foreign Shipping, 1 July 1862 - 30 June 1863, number 216 in H


Maritime Officer, RCAHMW, November 2011.