|
Mill’s Breaker
 Bermuda
|
Max Depth: 21-25ft/6-8m
Average Viz: 141-150ft/43-46m
Entry Type: Boat
Bottom Composition: Sand
Aquatic Life: Plenty To See
|
Rating: 4.00 by 1 divers
|
|
|
|
Mill’s Breaker is a boat accessible salt water dive site, located in Bermuda. This dive site has an average rating of 4.00 out of 5 from 1 scuba divers. The maximum depth is 21-25ft/6-8m. The average visibility is 141-150ft/43-46m.
To the south and east of North Rock, you will find Mills Breaker. A series of shallow, blind breakers. Many ships heading towards the navigation beacon at North Rock, met their end on these shallow, blind breaker reefs. Especially during the two world wars as the light at North Rock was "blacked out" for the war effort. Shipping using inaccurate or out-of-date charts, also met there demise here. Often shipping would mistake the North Rock Beacon for St David’s Lighthouse and wrongly assume they were south of the islands and in deep water.
Due to the shallow depths, don’t expect to find "four masted schooners with the captain still lashed to the helm" type wrecks. The pounding north Atlantic has long since demolished these wrecks, but the evidence of the passed short falls of ships masters can be seen with many artifacts embedded in the shallow breaker reefs. Propeller blades, capstan, winches, anchors, deck plates and engine parts from several hundred years of nautical misadventure have now become totally engulfed by the reef.
The more noted of the wrecks to be found around Mill’s Breaker are The Beaumaris Castle, an English Sailing Vessel that sank in 1873. The Colonel William G. Ball, an American luxury yacht which met it’s end here in 1943 and the remains of The Avenger, an English Brigantine, which sank in 1874.
Divemaster Notes
There is no distinct site as Mill’s Breaker, rather an area of reef and open ocean surrounding Mills Breaker.
Although the reef has caused the end for many vessels, nothing has hit for since 1943. TOUCH WOOD!!! As a result the reef has managed to repair itself. You will see distinct "v shaped" cuts carved into the reef as shipping sliced it’s route across the breakers. The corals have managed to sustain life due to then nutrient rich water of this area.
Summer visibility is typically poor due to the close proximity of the cruise ship channel. These vast floating hotels cause major silt related problems to the east end sites. Ideally a winter site where viz. in excess of 150 feet can usually be expected and cruise ships are seldom seen, as the ply the waters of The Caribbean during the Atlantic winter.
Expect shallow depths here, nothing over 25 ft unless you are moving far from the site. The tops of the many coral heads come within a few feet of the surface. It’s quiet easy to get lost here due to the maze of channels between the coral heads. Explore small areas, but explore then fully to really appreciate this site.
REMEMBER.... THE REEF IS FRAGILE! PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH OR TREAD ON LIVING CORAL.