The distinctive chalk stacks of The Needles, off the western tip of the Isle of Wight, are still a hazard to navigation. Wind and tides have eroded them, and one formation disappeared into the turbulent seas in the late 18th century, but the lighthouse is still needed to warn shipping. Now fully automated, it is 80 feet high, and can be seen for 14 miles at sea level. The hazards are not all visible, under the waters to the west of the rock formation lies the 4000 ton SS Varnassi, the last vessel of any size to be wrecked in these waters. She sank in 1947, carrying a cargo of wines from the Mediterranean, much of which washed ashore to the delight of the locals!