S/S Hornstein

One of the most stunning wrecks near Gotland. Sadly, it has been looted, and many of the exquisite features that divers once appreciated are no longer present.

Event timeline: “-A storm named ONO. The incident was caused by heavy snowfall and strong currents. Salvören, Lat. 58.3’30″N, Long. 19.21’45″E.”
“-The steamer HORNSTEIN ran ashore and became a wreck on the Salvören shoal north of Gotland, claiming the lives of 15 individuals who found their resting place in the waves.”

The wreck was discovered in 2004 by divers from the diving vessel Langesund at a depth of 38-46 meters to the west of Salvorev. Its remains were briefly examined by divers from the Swedish Coast Guard (KBV) in May 2008, and then by ROV in June 2008, alongside archaeologists from the State Maritime Museums (SMM). During the ROV inspection, an area along the port side and amidships was assessed at about deck height. At that moment, an iron spare wheel was noted at the stern along with a smaller hatch in front of it. Two larger cargo hatches were observed in a row ahead of the hatch, both filled with round timber, and each connected to a smaller winch. Midship, a smaller superstructure roughly one meter high, featuring two skylights in width, was noted. Before this were larger winches and a section with collapsed components, likely from a wooden superstructure. In front of this area, two additional cargo hatches in a row were seen, also filled with round timber.

Details
Type: Cargo steamer
Tonnage: 2,197 grt 1,396 nrt 4,000 dwt
Dimensions: 91.82 x 13.17 x 6.78 meters
Depth in hold: 5.81 m
Engine: 1 triple expansion at 950 Psi, built by the shipyard
Speed: 12 knots
Constructed: 1904 by Neptun AG in Rostock (build no. 228)
Ordered by: Heinr. Christ. Horn Zweigniederl. Lübeck, Hamburg
Launched: 1904-05-04
Crew: 20 members, 14 of whom perished

Considerations – Exposure to the elements