The Iona II wreck was discovered in 1976 by a commercial diving company who were searching for the recent wreck MV Robert. The proximity of the wrecks can be seen in the image above – only 30m between them. One of the divers from this company, John Shaw, subsequently excavated the length of the wreck of the Iona II with many items raised, some being deposited in the McLean Museum and Art Gallery and others entering private possession. Some of the cargo of coal was recovered along with ‘Hamilton’ pottery and beer bottles and a protective grill for a glass skylight.