Shipwrecks on Carbis Bay Beach: a rare low-sand moment this March

This March the sand level on Carbis Bay Beach is unusually low. Recent weather and heavy runoff have shifted the beach. At low tide you can see far more of the wreck remains than you normally can. It is a short walk, a brilliant photo opportunity, and a simple extra activity to add to your stay at Carbis Bay Lodge.

A wider section of the wreckage exposed by the low sand.

When is the best time to see the wrecks?

The wrecks are only visible at low tide. Some sections can usually be seen year round, but winter storms and heavy runoff can shift the beach and lower sand levels. When that happens, spring low tides can reveal much more of the wreckage than you would normally see.

If you are visiting Carbis Bay over the Easter 2026 period, this may be one of the better windows to spot the remains while the sand levels are still recovering. Visibility can change from day to day, so plan your walk around low tide.

Iron decks can be seen and even some below decks are exposed

What you can see right now

Currently you can see the ribs and spars in the sand as well as deck plates, timbers, and edges that show how the ships sat in the bay.

Timber ribs attached to the keel of the ship

The history behind the wrecks

Carbis Bay is linked to a storm in 1893 that became known locally as the 'Cintra Gale'. During that storm, three iron steamships were wrecked in the bay in the same night: the Cintra, the Vulture, and the Bessie.

The Cintra was an iron, steam-driven cargo vessel. It was at anchor off Carbis Bay during the storm. When conditions worsened, a rescue attempt ended badly and several crew were lost. Historic records describe seven deaths from a crew of twelve.

The Vulture was another collier in the same storm, reported close by. Contemporary accounts describe the crew being brought ashore using coastguard rescue equipment.

The Bessie was also driven in during the same gale. The remains you often see on the beach are most commonly linked with the Bessie, which was carrying coal when the storm hit.

These wrecks were soon covered by sand. They reappear from time to time after winter storms and very low tides, then disappear again as the beach shifts.

Large visible timbers and ironwork are normally buried

A simple low-tide walk to add to your stay

Carbis Bay Beach is a 15-minute walk from the Lodge, and one of many beautiful beaches around St Ives. The best time to see the wrecks is at low tide so you'll need to check the tides. The closest tidal information for Carbis Bay is the St Ives tidal station.

See also: Carbis Bay & St Ives Beaches