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These rare aerial images show what remains of a 500-tonne ship wrecked off the Anglesey coast almost half a century ago.

The Hoveringham II, a sand dredger which sank after developing a leak in 1971, remains lying on its side near Puffin Island on the eastern side of Anglesey.

Steven Thomas, of Roby Aerial Work, used a drone to photograph the 160 x 30 foot vessel from above at low tide, giving a view never before seen by most.

(Image: Roby Aerial Work)

The wreck, which is only visible when the tide is at its lowest, has been mistaken for a small island or distressed vessel over the years.

As recently as April 2015, Beaumaris’ lifeboat crew responded to reports that the tip of a mast had been spotted in the water near Penmon, but found it was just the wreck of the Hoveringham II.

Local RNLI stalwart John Pulford said the ship was on its way to North Wales from Liverpool Bay to Port Penrhyn in Bangor on January 28, 1971, when the Beaumaris lifeboat was called to assist.

(Image: Roby Aerial Work)

The Hoveringham II was holed and taking on water.

“Four of the crew from the ship had taken to a life raft, from which the lifeboat recovered them,” said Mr Pulford.

“A tow line was attached to the dredger in an attempt to take her into shallower water.

“However, the ship began to list alarmingly, so the lifeboat released the tow and went alongside the vessel to recover the remaining three crewmen still aboard the vessel.

(Image: Richard Williams)

“All the survivors were taken to Beaumaris.”

The wreck has been hit by other craft over the years and is now a popular site for divers from all over the country.

Built in 1954, the vessel was owned by Hoveringham Gravels Ltd of Hull from 1967 until its untimely demise.