Royston Shipwrecks - Royston, British Columbia

Abin Tom Sebastian

As a maritime history fanatic, I have to admit, it is odd for me to not know this earlier. I have been here for almost seven months, and I just learned it in the waning days of March!

Over several decades, vessels that had outlived their maritime utility were escorted to Comox Harbour, where they underwent a deliberate process of perforation before being strategically submerged. This fleet comprised three windjammers, three frigates, two destroyers, three steam tugs, one or possibly two harpoon boats according to various accounts, and two barques—vessels esteemed as the stalwarts of 19th-century nautical endeavors. These sunken ships served a pivotal role in mitigating the turbulent waters provoked by vigorous easterly winds, thereby facilitating smoother navigation for the logging industry en route to the mills located on the mainland.

Today, over half a century later, the remnants of these once-majestic ships languish along the breakwater, succumbing to the relentless forces of corrosion and biological decay facilitated by saltwater and sea-borne microbes. The vestiges visible primarily during low tide include two notable 19th-century vessels: the Riversdale and the Melanope, both illustrious three-masted windjammers. The Riversdale is celebrated by maritime historians as an exemplary specimen of late 19th-century British naval architecture, having been constructed and launched in Liverpool in 1894. It served diligently before its eventual repurposing as part of the breakwater, a fate it shared with the Melanope. The latter, albeit from an earlier generation and also hailing from Liverpool, was launched in 1876. The Melanope’s diverse career spanned roles from an immigrant vessel to a railway coal barge, including significant voyages carrying cargo to Australia and transporting rice from Asia.

Michael Gray

A really cool site with some really cool history. The shipwrecks are awesome and the area is gorgeous.

Tanya Therrien

Amazing & tranquil place to enjoy a sunrise ? and explore!

Access to the beach to launch kayaks, Parking, picnic tables, trails, and a washroom.

lyndseynorthcott

History to see, these old ships are here to see in the royston area there is also a nice trail walk

William Bergeron

Nice place for snorkeling, will definitely come back, saw some jellyfishes, crabs and cool shipwrecks

Cole Williams

Nice view from area and the shipwrecks were nice to see

Richard Clemens

Interesting place on the beach to visit. Time your visit with low tide if you can, or there won't be much to look at.

Monique Davis

Was excited to go there. You can't get to the ship wrecks, all private property. There isn't even anything telling you about them. Why are they there, what happened to them? It was a waste of time.