L'Herminie

History

L'Herminie was one of a group of big sailing frigates designed for the French Navy by Martin Boucher in the 1820s, and among the last French warships of her kind built before steam power arrived. She was completed at Lorient in 1828 and carried 60 guns.

In 1837-38 she served with the French squadron that blockaded Veracruz and other Mexican ports during France's dispute with Mexico. While she was at Havana, yellow fever swept through the ship and well over a hundred of her men fell ill, so she was ordered home to Brest.

On the Atlantic crossing the weather turned and her captain decided to shelter at Bermuda. Approaching from the west, the frigate worked her way far inside the island's north-western reef line and struck. Bermudian boats took off all 495 officers and crew and landed them at Ely's Harbour, and stores, rigging and fittings were salvaged in the days that followed and later sold off locally.

The wreck has since been studied by visiting archaeological teams, and finds such as an officer's gorget are in the National Museum of Bermuda collection. Bermuda 100, working with the Custodian of Historic Wrecks, has recorded the site in 3D.

Diving the wreck today

This is one of Bermuda's showpiece historic wrecks. The wooden hull has almost entirely gone, but dozens of iron cannon lie scattered across the sand among tall coral heads, some crossed over each other, together with a large anchor and the remains of iron water tanks. The water is shallow and usually clear, so it suits divers of all levels in calm weather and is also good for snorkelling from a boat.

Because the site sits well out on the western reefs it depends on sea conditions. Everything on the wreck is protected: look, but do not touch or remove anything.