Identification & Site Information:

•Wreck Name: Lena Behm

•Vessel Type: Wooden Schooner

•Year Built: 1886

•Builder: F. Behm, Grand Haven, Michigan

•Dimensions:

•Length: 59 feet (18 meters)

•Beam: 16.3 feet (5 meters)

•Depth: 5.5 feet (1.7 meters)

•Tonnage:

•Gross Tons: 34

•Net Tons: 32

•Propulsion: Sail, two masts

•Construction: Wood

•Final Disposition: Destroyed by fire in 1900 off Port Hope, Michigan, Lake Huron

Vessel Type Description:

The Lena Behm was a small, two-masted wooden Schooner, a typical design for 19th-century Great Lakes vessels. Schooners were essential for transporting cargo, particularly in regions with shallow harbours and waterways. Their agility and flat-bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpged hulls made them ideal for navigating the varied conditions of the Great Lakes.

History:

Built in 1886 by F. Behm in Grand Haven, Michigan, the Lena Behm was part of the thriving maritime economy of the Great Lakes, ferrying freight between regional ports.

Initially owned by its builder, the Schooner changed hands in 1899 when William McCullough of Port Huron took ownership. McCullough enrolled the Lena Behm as an active cargo vessel, continuing its service until its tragic demise.

In 1900, while off the coast of Port Hope, Michigan, the Lena Behm caught fire. The blaze consumed the wooden structure of the vessel entirely, leaving no chance for recovery. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and historical records do not mention any cargo details or loss of life.

The severity of the fire led to the total destruction of the vessel. By December 31, 1900, the ship’s documentation was officially surrendered at Port Huron, marking the end of its maritime career.

Final Disposition:

The Lena Behm was completely destroyed by fire, and no detailed records of its remains exist. The exact location of the wreck is unclear, and no evidence suggests any successful salvage or recovery of the vessel’s remains. The incident underscores the vulnerability of wooden ships to fire, especially in an era lacking modern firefighting capabilities.

Located By & Date:

•Discovery: The wreck of the Lena Behm has not been identified or confirmed.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

•Current Status: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the Lena Behm. Its total destruction by fire suggests it does not present a navigational hazard today.

Resources & Links:

•Great Lakes Ships

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

Conclusion:

The fiery loss of the Lena Behm in 1900 is a poignant chapter in Great Lakes maritime history. Despite its modest size, the Schooner contributed to the region’s bustling trade and transportation network. Its demise near Port Hope, Michigan, serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers faced by sailors on the Great Lakes, where fire, weather, and unpredictable conditions could abruptly end a vessel’s service.