Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Lena Behm
- Type: Wooden Schooner
- Year Built: 1886
- Builder: F. Behm, Grand Haven, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length: 59 ft (18 m); Beam: 16.3 ft (5 m); Depth of hold: 5.5 ft (1.7 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross Tons: 34; Net Tons: 32
- Location: Off Port Hope, Michigan
- Original Owners: Initially owned by F. Behm; later owned by William McCullough
- Number of Masts: Two masts
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
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-bottomed hulls made them ideal for navigating the varied conditions of the Great Lakes.
Description
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.
History
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.
Significant Incidents
- 1900: The Lena Behm caught fire off Port Hope, Michigan, leading to its total destruction.
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.
Current Condition & Accessibility
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
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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.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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