SS Hesper (Wreck)

The SS Hesper is a shipwreck located approximately 40ft-50ft away from the breakwater wall of the Silver Bay marina. The wreck consists of two sections separated by about 30 feet, with scattered wreckage surrounding it. The rudder can be found just south of the underwater mooring block. This historic wreck sank on May 4, 1905.

When diving at the SS Hesper, divers should note that there is relatively little wildlife in the area. The most common marine life found here are gobies, with the possibility of encountering lake trout or whitefish. It is important to be cautious while diving to avoid kicking up silt and reducing visibility.

With a visibility of approximately 7m, the SS Hesper offers a suitable diving experience for both beginner and advanced divers. The maximum depth of the dive site is 13m.

Located in Silver Bay, Minnesota, the SS Hesper is easily accessible from the Silver Bay Marina on Bayside Park Road. The shipwreck is a significant historical site, attracting divers from all over to explore its remnants.

For more information about the SS Hesper and its historical background, you can visit the following sources:
- MNHS Shipwrecks
- Wikipedia

Specifications of the SS Hesper:
- Namesake: Hesperus, the evening star
- Builder: Ship Owners Dry Dock Company, Cleveland, Ohio
- Launched: June 28, 1890
- Sank: May 4, 1905
- Displacement: 1540 long tons (1560 metric tons)
- Length: 250 ft (76.2 m)
- Beam: 41.6 ft (12.7 m)
- Draught: 20.2 ft (6.2 m)
- Propulsion: Vertical triple-expansion reciprocating steam engine, 825 horsepower
- Complement: Captain E.H. Heaton and a crew of 15