The earliest recorded wreck on the rock itself was in 1839, when the brig "Theodorick" struck in rough misty weather on 4September. She was out of Mogodore for London carrying a general cargo. In the early hours of , the 600-tonne paddle steamer "Brigand", a packet boat, which was en route from Liverpool to St Petersburg, struck the rock with such force that it stove in two large bow plates. The rocks then acted as a pivot, and she swung round and heeled into the rock port side, crushing the paddle-wheel and box to such an extent that it penetrated the engine room. She drifted over seven miles in two hours, before sinking in 90m. All the crew were saved. In 1901 a barque named "Falkland" struck the rock, her main yard hitting the lighthouse itself.