The Cable was also known 'Horse Rock' in the 19th century. The rock is a full 'cable length' (185m) across the passage from Midland Island and only appears at low spring tide.

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, pg2

Maritime Officer, RCAHMW, August 2014.