Built in 1916, the 513 ton South Coaster came to rest in this location in December 1943 during a severe winter storm. At the time, she had been chartered by the Admiralty to carry coal to Exmouth.

She is highly visible from the main railway line running down to the West Country, but difficult to access at all but the lowest of tides, and it is very unusual to be able to access the space below the bridge.