In addition to the five inhabited Isles of Scilly, there are a large number of uninhabited islands. One of the largest of these is Samson. The island was finally evacuated in 1855 as the population gradually declined following a tragedy at sea which claimed the lives of many of the younger men. Today, the passenger launches regularly drop off more daring visitors who are prepared if necessary to wade ashore to spend a few hours exploring the islands and the long-abandoned and ruined cottages.