SS Varvassi – The Wreck off the Needles

Introduction

The SS Varvassi was a 3,874‑ton Greek merchant steamship that became infamous after running aground off the Needles Lighthouse, Isle of Wight, on 5 January 1947.

The Final Voyage of the SS Varvassi

The SS Varvassi was travelling from Algiers to Southampton carrying a mixed cargo. On board were:

600 tons of iron ore
200 tons of tangerines
438 barrels of wine

While approaching the Needles, she suffered engine failure and began to drift helplessly. With strong tides setting her towards the rocks, the ship was carried onto the Needles reef, where she became firmly stuck.

Yarmouth Lifeboat Rescue

The Yarmouth Lifeboat launched several times to assist the stricken vessel. Initially, however, the ship’s captain sent them away, hoping that the SS Varvassi could still be saved.

Attempts were made to refloat her, but persistent south‑westerly winds and powerful tides worked against these efforts. Eventually, with waves breaking over the deck and the situation deteriorating, the captain made the decision to abandon ship.

All crew members were successfully rescued by the Yarmouth Lifeboat, with no loss of life.

Cargo Salvage and Declared a Wreck

Over the following weeks, efforts were made to recover the cargo, but conditions made salvage extremely difficult. The SS Varvassi was officially declared a wreck on 21 January 1947.

She was broken up as much as possible using the techniques available at the time, although this was hampered by bad weather and strong tides. Much of the cargo was lost:

Iron ore spilled across the seabed
Tangerines were seen floating in the water for weeks
And as for the wine… one can only imagine what became of that!

To this day, parts of the SS Varvassi remain beneath the water. On very low tides, close to chart datum, the boilers can still be seen breaking the surface.

SS Varvassi on Admiralty Charts

The wreck of the SS Varvassi is clearly marked on nautical charts to warn passing ships and yachts of her location. Despite this, she still manages to catch out the occasional unwitting sailor.

This is particularly relevant during the Round the Island Yacht Race, an annual event that attracts around 1,200–1,800 yachts. The race involves a full circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight, starting at Cowes, heading west to the Needles, south to St Catherine’s Point, then north up the eastern side of the island and back to Cowes.

The Sinking of Alchemist

In 2016, Mark Wynter, Commodore of the Island Sailing Club (which organises the race), lent his beautiful 1977 wooden Half Tonner Alchemist to friend and helmsman Andrew Talbot for the event. Mark himself was unable to compete that year due to official race duties.

Unfortunately, history repeated itself.

Alchemist struck the submerged boilers of the SS Varvassi and immediately began taking on water. The Mudeford Lifeboat arrived quickly and made a valiant attempt to tow the £30,000 yacht clear of the wreck.

However, Alchemist began to sink rapidly and the tow was abandoned. Both crew members were safely rescued. Rumour has it that Mark Wynter first learned of the sinking via Twitter.

Footage taken by one of the RNLI crew captures the dramatic rescue.

And another to highlight the location:

Sailing Community

Lovesail.com is an online dating and social networking site for single sailing enthusiasts.
Solo and single-handed sailing women and men meet up for sailing and dating, to make friends, and to find crewing opportunities. Join our friendly sailing community now.