Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The B.H. Becker was a diesel-powered packet vessel, a type of boat designed for the transportation of freight and passengers. At 37 feet in length, the B.H. Becker was relatively small, suited for the transport of goods along inland waterways and the Great Lakes. Packet vessels like the B.H. Becker were critical to the regional economy, connecting smaller ports and towns with larger commercial hubs.
History #
The B.H. Becker was launched in 1932 from Marine City, Michigan. It was owned by Frank Becker, who operated it primarily out of Detroit. As a diesel packet, the B.H. Becker played a vital role in transporting freight across the Great Lakes, contributing to the region’s bustling maritime commerce.
On August 10, 1937, the B.H. Becker was navigating the waters of Lake Huron off the coast of Greenbush, Michigan, when it encountered severe weather conditions. The heavy seas overwhelmed the vessel, and despite efforts to manage the situation, the B.H. Becker foundered. The incident could have been catastrophic, but fortunately, all crew members aboard managed to escape without any loss of life.
The vessel’s sinking was a significant loss, particularly for its owner, Frank Becker. The B.H. Becker was reported as lost in the 1938 Merchant Vessel List of the United States, marking its official end. While the vessel was not carrying cargo at the time, its loss represents the harsh realities faced by mariners navigating the Great Lakes, particularly during unpredictable and dangerous weather conditions.
Final Disposition #
The B.H. Becker now rests beneath the waters of Lake Huron, near Greenbush, Michigan. Its precise location is not well-documented, and it is not a well-known wreck site among divers or historians. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers that lurked for even the most experienced sailors on the Great Lakes.
NOTMARs & Advisories #
- Current Status: There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the B.H. Becker wreck site. Given the small size of the vessel and its relatively unknown status, the wreck does not pose a significant navigational hazard today.
Located By & Date #
- Discovery: The exact location of the B.H. Becker wreck has not been formally identified. It is believed to have been lost off the coast of Greenbush, Michigan, but no precise coordinates are available.
Resources & Links #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships Database: Great Lakes Ships Database
Conclusion #
The sinking of the B.H. Becker in 1937 underscores the perilous nature of maritime navigation on the Great Lakes. Even in the relatively sheltered waters near the shore, vessels like the B.H. Becker could be overwhelmed by sudden and severe storms. While the loss of the B.H. Becker was a blow to its owner, Frank Becker, the survival of the crew is a testament to the resilience and quick thinking required by those who work on the water. The incident remains a small but significant part of the broader tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history.
Keywords: #
- B.H. Becker
- Diesel Packet
- Lake Huron
- Greenbush, Michigan
- 1937 Storm
- Great Lakes Shipwreck
- Maritime History
- Merchant Vessel Loss
The B.H. Becker, though lesser-known, is part of the rich maritime heritage of the Great Lakes, reminding us of the ever-present dangers that have claimed countless vessels and lives throughout history.
