The Carracks facts for kids
The Carracks and Little Carracks are a group of small, rocky islands located off the coast of west Cornwall, England, in the United Kingdom. These islands are found in the Atlantic Ocean and are part of the Zennor civil parish.
The name "Carracks" comes from the Cornish language word "carrek," which means 'rock'. The main group is called The Carracks, and in Cornish, it's known as Cornish: Kerrek, also meaning 'rocks'. The smaller islands are called the Little Carracks, and their Cornish name is Cornish: Karrek an Ydhyn, which means 'rock of the birds'. Around 1920, the Little Carracks were still known as Carrack an Heythen.
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Where are the Carracks located?
The Carracks are situated between the villages of Zennor and St Ives. They are quite close to the shore, about 200 metres (660 ft) (around 650 feet) away. The Little Carracks are positioned between the main Carracks and a place called Towednack Quae Head, which lies to the east.
What animals live on the Carracks?
The largest island in the group is sometimes called Seal Island because it's a home for Atlantic grey seals. These islands are also a habitat for other interesting sea creatures. You might find dogfish, which are a type of small shark, and anglerfish, known for their unique way of attracting prey. Sea anemones, colorful animals that look like flowers, also live in the waters around the Carracks.
Visiting the islands
Many boats from St Ives offer trips to the Carracks. These trips give visitors a chance to see the seals and other amazing wildlife up close in their natural environment. It's a great way to observe these animals without disturbing them.
What happened to the Enrico Parodi?
The Carracks are also known for a shipwreck that happened nearby. In 1916, a large steel ship named the Enrico Parodi was sailing in thick fog. This ship was 339-foot-long (103 m) and weighed 3,818 tons. It accidentally hit Gurnard's Head, another rocky area along the coast.
After hitting the rocks, the Enrico Parodi was being towed for rescue. However, it sank off The Carracks during the towing process. The shipwreck remains there to this day and has become a popular spot for divers to explore.
