There are conflicting reports as to how the Mary Ann was wrecked. One report says she was wrecked in a gale, another that she ran aground in fog, all the crew being saved. Island history points to a vessel being wrecked at Usher Point during a gale and it also makes mention of a cargo of coal but unfortunately does not name the wreck. We may only presume that it was the Mary Ann on a voyage from Maryport to Derry and that she was caught in an easterly gale.

There are a lot of indications here such as a timber and anchor of a vessel or vessels having been wrecked. Most recently a large length of brass chain and part of a heavy brass keel band have been recovered. However, nothing has allowed us to identify a particular wreck. At the time of her loss the Mary An was commanded by Captain Elliott.

Diving information – Ushet Point lies about a quarter mile east of Rue Point and just opposite the old ruined houses on the shore. At one time the adjacent inlet was the main harbour serving the island. During the early part of the eighteenth century smuggling was carried on to a very great extent from this particular port but when the Custom and Excise discovered what was going on the harbour was filled in and rendered more or less useless.

The best time to dive this particular site is on the flood tide as during ebb tide the current runs about 4/5 knots very close in to the shore. The bottom is covered in very heavy kelp but the visibility is excellent. Depths range from 3 to 7 metres. There is a large reef opposite the entrance to the inlet. It is about 100 metres offshore and signs of wreckage have been found here.