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diving@lizardiver.co.uk

LIZARD DIVER
Tel 01326 221446
Mob 07966 002795

CZAR - One of the best dives of the area lies on and around the Vrogue rock, half a mile off Bass point, The Lizard. The Vrogue is at the southard end of a reef known as the Sparnon shoals and consists of a number of rock pinnacles coming up from the seabed at over 20m to less than 5m from the surface and is listed by the Admiralty as a danger to shipping. Tides sweeping around Lizard Point towards Falmouth Bay speed up as they pass over shallow ground and this can make for an exhilarating drift dive from Housel Bay towards Cadgwith. The rocks are covered with all manner of marine organisms in great profusion – a fantastic dive in its own right - get your camera out!

As if this is not enough………scattered all around The Vrogue is the remains of the wreck of the CZAR – an 1100 tons iron hulled steamer sank in 1859. This was carrying 1600 tons of military stores from Woolwich Arsenal to the Garrison on Malta. Much of this cargo can still be seen on the seabed today - big 68 pounder cannon balls, smaller exploding cannon balls filled with lead shot, colt revolver ammunition(!), small pottery jars filled with percussion caps & brass buttons from 21st regiment uniforms.

Forward sight from cannon the Czar carried as part of its cargo.
Note - Markings show Royal Navy broad arrow mark, 95Cwt (cannon weight!!), 68PR ( cannon ball weight) and 7785 (id no)

Late January 1859 found the Czar 50 miles west of the Bishop Rock in a South West gale. With boiler trouble the Captain (Jackson) turned back for Falmouth. Cutting close to shore, to obtain shelter to the east of The Lizard, the Czar struck Vrogue rock on the 22nd January and quickly broke in two drowning 10 of the crew. Captain Jackson was last seen on deck attempting to save his wife & 5yr old son who were trapped in a cabin - his body was found the next day off Black Head.