The descriptive name was recorded by Robert Fildes, who had sealers working here in 1820–21 and 1821–22.[1] Wreckage of the Spanish ship San Telmo that sank off the island in 1819 was subsequently found on the beach.[2]
Historic site
A cairn at the beach, along with a plaque on ‘Cerro Gaviota’ opposite San Telmo Island, commemorates the officers, soldiers and seamen aboard the San Telmo, who were possibly the first people to live and die in Antarctica. It has been designated a Historic Site or MonumentSan Telmo Cairn (HSM 59), following a proposal by Chile, Spain and Peru to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting.[3]