It guards Seal Rocks, a treacherous rock formation to the south.
By 1996 twice as many seals were using the beach as were using Seal Rock.
Stage two was to cost $50 million, and involved a 1.9 kilometre long undersea tunnel leading to an observation tower at Seal Rocks.
A few hours later, near Seal Rocks, it hit a reef and was badly damaged.
Seals are frequently seen on the island and the associated rocks,one of which is called Seal Rock.
However, it was soon apparent that they wouldn't reach the shore, and the sinking ship was abandoned off Seal Rocks.
In 2005, a seal exhibit, aptly named Seal Rocks, was proposed for the area.
Before that they mostly used Seal Rock for that purpose.
One mild, clear evening they drove out to the beach and watched the waves breaking on Seal Rock until well past midnight.
These are known as the Seal Rocks.