HMS Looe

Fast Facts:

• Average Depth:  20 ft. / 6 m
• Max Depth: 25 ft. / 8 m

Features:

• Coral Reef
• Wreck Site
• Mooring Buoys
• Good Snorkeling

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It is believed that the British Man O’ War, the HMS Looe, ran aground in 1744 and sank on what is now Looe Key Reef. Some accounts report that she had a French ship under tow when she hit the reef and sank. The HMS Looe burned (perhaps intentionally by her captain to protect her from salvagers) and sank to the bottom, taking her treasure with her.

Today, not much remains of the vessel other than some ballast stones and some copper plating that is thought to have come from the hull. The wreck is located on the ocean side of the Looe Key Reef and has been joined by other vessels, which have found their downfall in the coral ridges. An interesting sight is an old anchor that has become encrusted in a coral finger that has grown around it.