 The number of shipwrecks around the coast of Wales reached a peak in the 19th century with over 100 vessels lost and an average loss of life of about 78 sailors per year.Wartime action caused losses near Holyhead, Milford Haven and Swansea.Because of offshore rocks and unlit islands, Anglesey and Pembrokeshire are still notorious for shipwrecks, most notably the "Sea Empress" oil spill in 1996.