Calls to protect Sunbeam wreck against bounty hunters

The National Monuments Service is moving to protect a shipwreck which had been buried for a century from bounty hunters.

People have already begun to steal pieces of the wooden skeleton of the schooner, Sunbeam, which has been a feature on Rossbeigh Beach, Co Kerry, for 111 years.

Shipwrecks over 100 years old are protected under the National Monuments Act and cannot be interfered with except under licence.

It was revealed last night that National Monuments Service officials are travelling to Rossbeigh to protect the wreck and have it reburied.

The 24m Sunbeam was driven ashore in gale force conditions at Rossbeigh, on Jan 28, 1903.

It had since lain embedded in the beach, almost covered by sand. Only the top of the wreck was clearly visible until the entire structure was shifted by mountainous waves in the past week.

Local councillor Michael Cahill welcomed action to ensure the wreck is preserved and reburied.

“The Sunbeam is part of local heritage and is one of the most photographed artefacts in the area,” he said. “Anyone who ever walked the beach, or visited Rossbeigh, knows about it.”

The 84-tonne vessel was on its way from Kinvara, Co Galway, to Cork, when it was blown ashore with no loss of life.