The Sevenstones lightship that we boarded while filming for Trinity House guards the approaches to the Isles of Scilly. Indeed nearby low- level rocks growl out of the sea, even on a calm, sunny day like the one we enjoyed on task. They form part of the dangerous seas all round the islands, that have been the graveyard of many a ship, famously four from a fleet commanded by Sir Cloudesley Shovell (picture), comprehensively wrecked in 1707 after going badly off course in appalling weather. The ‘Scilly Naval Disaster’ saw the death of up to 2,000 Royal Navy personnel, including Sir Cloudesley and his two stepsons – a tragic end to a brilliant naval career. The multitude of fanged rocks around the Isles still lie in wait for mariners – but the odds are far better now, with Trinity House on watch…
ROCKS TO RESPECT
08 October 2018
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About Rob
Rob is a TV producer, reporter and camera operator with 30 years’ experience at the BBC, Channel 4 and ITN, in news, factual and documentary production. He is a four times award winner, whose awards include a coveted Royal Television Society award for his work on Channel 4 News. His association with The Maritime Foundation goes back to 1995, when he won the first Desmond Wettern Maritime Media Award for a series of reports that led to a major documentary on the loss of the bulk carrier Derbyshire.