The Tragic Fire and Loss of the Schooner LENA BEHM off Port Hope, Michigan in 1900 #
The Lena Behm, a wooden schooner built in 1886 by F. Behm in Grand Haven, Michigan, met a tragic end when it caught fire off Port Hope, Michigan, in 1900. This article explores the construction and specifications of the Lena Behm, its ownership history, and the details surrounding its fiery demise on Lake Huron.
The Lena Behm was built as a schooner in 1886 with a length of 59 feet, a beam of 16.3 feet, and a depth of 5.5 feet. It had a gross tonnage of 34 tons and a net tonnage of 32 tons. The vessel was constructed using wood, a common material for ships of that era, and featured two masts.
The Lena Behm underwent ownership changes throughout its existence. The vessel was initially owned by F. Behm of Grand Haven, Michigan. Subsequently, ownership passed to William McCullough, who enrolled the vessel in Port Huron on September 18, 1899. The Lena Behm served under McCullough’s ownership until its tragic end the following year.
In the year 1900, the Lena Behm faced a catastrophic event when it caught fire while well offshore near Port Hope, Michigan. The fire rapidly engulfed the vessel, resulting in its complete destruction. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding potential loss of life or the cargo being carried by the schooner during this tragic incident.
Following the destructive fire, the Lena Behm was declared a total loss. On December 31, 1900, its official documentation was surrendered at Port Huron, marking the official end of the vessel’s existence.
The loss of the Lena Behm in a devastating fire off the coast of Port Hope, Michigan, in 1900 serves as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by ships and their crews on the Great Lakes. As a wooden schooner, the Lena Behm was particularly vulnerable to fire, which ultimately led to its demise. The vessel’s construction, ownership history, and tragic end contribute to its historical significance, highlighting the challenges and risks encountered by sailors and the unpredictable nature of maritime activities on Lake Huron during that era.
