Mayon Cliff Ship Wreck
50° 4' 24" N 5° 42' 31" WThe RMS Mulheim was a cargo ship that ran aground off the coast of Lands End on March 22nd 2003.
Due to severe weather conditions, the vessel lost engine power and began drifting towards the shore. The crew tried to anchor the ship to prevent it from running aground, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Eventually, the RMS Mulheim hit the rocks near Land’s End and became stranded.
The shipwreck caused a significant environmental concern due to the cargo it was carrying. The plastic material onboard posed a threat to the local marine life and the coastal environment. As a result, efforts were made to salvage the cargo and prevent further pollution.
The RMS Mulheim remains a well-known shipwreck in the area and can be viewed from a safe distance from the cliffs above.
Get full 7-day weather and tide data for each location on our new 360 Cornwall App
- Hazard: Cliffs
- Hazard: Tides (Rising / Falling)
History of Mayon Cliff Ship Wreck
The Mayon Cliff Shipwreck is a historic site located near the village of Sennen, in southwest Cornwall. The site features the remains of a shipwreck that occurred in 1910, when a cargo vessel named the SS Mayon ran aground on the rocks below the cliffs.
The SS Mayon was a 3,800-ton steamship that was built in 1894, and was used to transport cargo and passengers between ports in Europe and South America. On the night of November 30, 1910, the ship was en route from Brazil to Liverpool when it encountered heavy fog and rough seas off the coast of Cornwall. Despite the efforts of the crew, the ship ran aground on the rocks below the cliffs at Sennen.
Fortunately, all 26 crew members were able to safely evacuate the ship, and there were no casualties. However, the ship was a total loss, and its remains can still be seen today, scattered along the rocks below the cliffs.
Travel / Parking information for Mayon Cliff Ship Wreck
Directions to Mayon Cliff Ship Wreck
From the A30, follow signs towards Land’s End. Just before reaching Land’s End, take the road towards Sennen Cove. Parking is available at Sennen Cove, and from there, it’s a short walk along the South West Coast Path to Mayon Cliff.
Parking for Mayon Cliff Ship Wreck
There is a pay-and-display car park at Sennen Cove, which provides access to the coastal path leading to Mayon Cliff. Parking can fill up during peak seasons, so early arrival is advisable. The path to the shipwreck site includes steep sections, so appropriate footwear is recommended.