HERMES
By Capt. Dan Berg

Photos: Topside Hermes sinking by Alan Marquardt. Underwater Hermes by Mike Burke

This 165 foot long, 254 ton freighter was built in Pennsylvania in 1943. Originally a U.S. Navy buoy tender, she broke down  while transporting a cargo of second hand gifts to poor families in the Cape Verde Islands. She  was later abandoned in Bermuda because she had become too costly to repair. The government originally tried to sell the vessel to an American, but after he inspected the rusting ship, he promptly asked for the return of his $10,000 deposit. After some time, the government donated the rusting vessel to the Bermuda Divers Association (BDA). After being stripped and cleaned at Dockyard, she was scuttled on May 15, 1984, as a dive site one mile off shore by the Bermuda Divers Association (BDA). The Hermes has become one of the most popular wreck dives on the south side of the island. Unlike many wrecks lost to Bermuda's treacherous barrier reefs that are scattered across the sea bed, the Hermes is the classic story book shipwreck. She remains intact, upright and magnificently photogenic. She sits in 75 to 80 feet of water, and divers can explore her pilot house, galley, engine room and cargo hold. All of her hatches were removed prior to the ship's sinking to ensure safe wreck penetration.

The information listed above was taken with permission from the Book:
BERMUDA SHIPWRECKS,  ISBN # 0-9616167-4-1
A Vacationing Divers Guide to Bermudas Shipwrecks,
by Dan and Denise Berg, 6x9 softcover,73 pages.
Retail $14.95

From the first quarter of the 16th century, Bermuda became a landmark for Spanish ships sailing back to Spain from the New World. The desire to sight Bermuda to confirm their position often ended their voyage as they wrecked on Bermuda's outer reefs. To this day Bermuda's treacherous reefs have taken their toll on shipping. The reefs have claimed vessels ranging from ocean lines to small fishing boats. Bermuda Shipwrecks is the most comprehensive, accurate, illustrated collection of information, photographs, sketches and stories ever written about the legendary wrecks around Bermuda. Bermuda Shipwrecks includes over 100 illustrations comprised of 61 sensational color photos, 17 rare b&w historical images, 19 stamps, 4 sketches plus one map. Bermuda Shipwrecks contains a wealth of enlightening information that gives the readers a nostalgic glimpse into the history and present condition of over 55 of Bermuda's most popular Shipwrecks.