| Helen's Reef | |
| Map: | British Isles Oceans |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
Helen's Reef is a series of skerries in the North Atlantic, 2km (01miles) northeast of the larger islet of Rockall and outcrop of Hasselwood Rock, within the United Kingdom's exclusive economic zone. The skerries are covered at high tide or in rough seas, and are often only visible as breaking waves.
It is within the 12nmi radius territorial waters of Rockall, which is claimed by the UK as of 1955 and incorporated into the UK by the Island of Rockall Act 1972. This claim was previously long disputed by Ireland,[1] [2] but the dispute is resolved as of 31 March 2014.[3] [4]
In 1812 the survey vessel Leonidas foundered on the reef.
It was named after the brigantine Helen of Dundee, bound for Quebec, which foundered at Hasselwood Rock in 1824.[5] The vessel struck between nine and ten o'clock on the morning of 17 April. After some twelve hours struggling to keep her afloat and make for safety, water had almost filled the hold. The captain ordered the passengers onto the deck with warm clothing. Difficulty was experienced launching the boats, and one had to be repaired after being holed on the stock of the kedge anchor;[6]
On 28 June 1904 the 3,318 ton DFDS steamer, with 795 people including 240 children on board bound for New York, foundered on the reef. 635 lives were lost with most of the 163 survivors being taken to Stornoway.[7] [8] [9] The wreck was found a century later in of water.[10]