NPRN518571
Map ReferenceSM50NW
Grid ReferenceSM5414908091
Unitary (Local) AuthorityMaritime
Old CountyMaritime
CommunityMaritime
Type Of SiteSEASCAPE
PeriodMultiperiod
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Description
The Barrels reef is shown on an historic chart with the annotation 'uncovered at half tide'. The reef is formed from three rocky outcrops with uncover a little after half ebb, but generally show with a heavy breaking sea over them. Admiralty Sailing Directions note that 'they must be approached with caution when near high water, in light winds, and with no swell. The stream sets over them with great strength, particularly at springs, causing an eddy or indraft upon the lee side, which ought to be carefully guarded against. Though the rocks which dry occupy but a very small space, the foul ground in connection with them or the tails of the shoal, extend some distance out to the westwerd and north-northeastward, rendering it extremely imprudent to approach them nearer than half a mile'.

Sources include:
Admiralty, 1870, Sailing Directions for the West Coast of England from Milford Haven to the Mull of Galloway including the Isle of Man, pg6
Historic Admiralty Chart 1486_A6 RCAHMW digital collections sourced from the UK Hydrographic Office and first published in 1838

Maritime Officer, RCAHMW, August 2014.