Identification & Site Information

Wreck Name: B.H. Becker

Vessel Type: Diesel Packet

Year Built: 1932

Builder: Marine City, Michigan

Dimensions: 37 feet in length, 12 feet in beam, 5 feet in depth

Tonnage: 19 gross tons, 13 net tons

Engine Power: 70 indicated horsepower diesel engine

Owner: Frank Becker

Home Port: Detroit, Michigan

Final Disposition: Foundered in heavy seas on August 10, 1937, off the coast of Greenbush, Michigan, Lake Huron

Vessel Type Description

The B.H. Becker was a diesel-powered Packet vessel, specifically designed for the transport of freight and passengers. At a modest 37 feet, it was well-suited for operations on the Great Lakes’ interconnected waterways. Packet vessels like this played a vital role in regional commerce, connecting smaller communities to larger ports and supporting the flow of goods and passengers in the Great Lakes economy.

History

The B.H. Becker was built in 1932 at Marine City, Michigan, and owned by Frank Becker. Operating out of Detroit, this diesel Packet contributed to the transportation infrastructure of the Great Lakes, facilitating the movement of goods and passengers.

On August 10, 1937, the vessel embarked on what would be its final voyage. While navigating the waters of Lake Huron, off the coast of Greenbush, Michigan, the B.H. Becker encountered severe weather. The heavy seas, common during sudden Great Lakes storms, overwhelmed the small vessel. Despite the perilous conditions, the crew acted swiftly, and all aboard escaped unharmed.

The loss of the B.H. Becker, recorded in the 1938 Merchant Vessel List of the United States, was a significant personal loss for its owner and highlighted the vulnerability of even well-maintained vessels to the unpredictable forces of the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition

The B.H. Becker now lies beneath the waters of Lake Huron near Greenbush, Michigan. Its precise location remains undocumented, and it is not considered a major wreck site. The incident illustrates the constant risks faced by mariners, even in nearshore waters, during sudden storms.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the B.H. Becker wreck site. Due to its small size and unremarkable location, the wreck does not pose a navigational hazard.

Located By & Date

The B.H. Becker’s exact wreck site has not been formally identified. It is believed to be near Greenbush, Michigan, but no precise coordinates are available. The location has not been extensively explored or documented.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Link

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Link

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Link

Conclusion

The loss of the B.H. Becker during a 1937 storm near Greenbush, Michigan, serves as a small but poignant reminder of the ever-present dangers faced by Great Lakes mariners. While the vessel was modest in size and scope, its role in regional commerce and its tragic loss contribute to the vast tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history. The survival of the crew amidst the chaos underscores the resilience and preparedness required to navigate these waters.

Keywords

•B.H. Becker

•Diesel Packet

•Lake Huron

•Greenbush, Michigan

•1937 Storm

•Great Lakes Shipwreck

•Maritime History

•Merchant Vessel Loss

The B.H. Becker reminds us of the countless vessels, large and small, that have succumbed to the unpredictable power of the Great Lakes, each with its own story of endurance and loss.