Hesperides

2404 Gross Tons 
286 feet Length, 38 feet Beam, 24 feet Deep 
Owner: SS Hesperides Company, LTD 
Builder: r & J Evans and Company, Liverpool, England

Depth 35 feet

The Hesperides was a steamer of British registry, home port of Liverpool, England.  She was built in Liverpool by R&J Evans & Company in 1884.  Constructed of Iron, the ship was 2404 GRT and had 2 decks.  She was 286.5 feet in length, 38.3 of beam, 24.3 in depth with five main bulkheads.  The steamer was powered by an engine, also made in Liverpool by G. Forrester & Company.  This engine had 2 cylinders - one 33" in diameter, the other 66" - with a stroke of 48", producing 182 HP and could make 11kts under power.

According to the Lloyd's of London registry, the vessel was owned by the S.S. "Hesperides" & Co. (R.P. Houston & Co.).  She was reportedly originally involved in "the plate trade" a vessel which carried large amounts of beef or meat products to markets in Europe from South America and she was refrigerated.  The ship was converted into an ore carrier and was transporting a cargo of 1394 net tons of iron ore or "pig iron" from Cuba to Baltimore, Maryland, when she ran aground upon the Outer Diamond Shoals on October 9th, 1897.  

The Hesperides had lost her way in a thick fog that continued throughout the day of the 9th, preventing the surfmen on the beach from sighting the ship until the next morning.  Though the ship was firmly aground with six feet of water in the engine room the crew was in no immediate danger, as she couldn't sink any further.  When the surfmen from Hatteras arrived, they had to convince the Captain and owner of the vessel, Owen Williams, to abandon the ship as there was no hope of freeing her from the death grip of the shoals.  The entire crew of 24 persons where successfully rescued and taken ashore by lifeboat.  The ship was a total loss valued at $70,000 (allot of money in 1897) not including the cargo which was valued at $30,000.

Diving the Hesperides

She now sits in approximately 35 feet of water well up in the shallows of the shoals and is able to be dived only on days when the ocean swell is light and navigation in this area of the shoals safe.  The Hesperides has remained in fairly good condition even after almost 100 years submerged.  The large bronze steering quadrant rises to within six feet of the surface as does the top of the steam engine.  It is wise to approach this wreck with caution so as not to join her on the bottom.  The intact bow with anchors and winches, the ship's engine, boilers and stern section all remain and well define the confines of the wreck site.  On days when the water is clear, the entire ship is visible laying on the bottom and can be very clearly viewed from the boat deck.  

Being on the shoals, the wreck site is sometimes subject to high current and I have observed 2 knots or more crossing this wreck on occasion.  This coupled with the potential for surge if there is any swell can make even this shallow dive somewhat of a challenge.  But, this a challenge that is well worth the effort as bottom times are incredible and there is a wide variety of sea life on this wreck as well as the occasional artifact.  It is an excellent wreck for photography due to the shallow depth and large amount of available light.  

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