The SS Copenhagen (1898) was a cargo steamship built in Sunderland, England, by John Priestman and Company as yard number 72. She was launched on 24 February 1898 and completed in March of the same year. Constructed to a standard design used by Priestman for multiple vessels, Copenhagen measured approximately 325 feet in length, with a beam of 47 feet and a depth of 25.6 feet. Her gross tonnage was 3,297 GRT, and her net tonnage was 2,116 NRT. Powered by a three-cylinder triple-expansion steam engine, built by William Allan and Company of Sunderland, the ship was rated at 312 NHP, enabling her to reach a speed of about 8 knots. The vessel was equipped with a single screw propeller and featured masts rigged as a schooner, allowing for sailing capabilities alongside her steam propulsion. Initially registered in Glasgow, Scotland, she was managed by Glen and Company for the Glasgow Shipowners' Company, Ltd., and bore the UK official number 108711 with the code letters QBNL. Her service history includes a notable voyage departing Philadelphia on 20 May 1900, carrying nearly 5,000 tons of coal destined for Havana. During her voyage along the US East Coast, she encountered her fate on the night of 25–26 May 1900, after passing the Jupiter Inlet Light. Captain William Jones ordered a course correction to stay offshore, but around 09:00 hours on 26 May, Copenhagen struck Pompano Dropoff reef south of Hillsboro Inlet. Efforts to salvage her cargo and refloat her were unsuccessful, and she remained stranded on the reef. The loss was valued at approximately $250,000, with her cargo worth about $12,500. An inquiry blamed Captain Jones for navigational errors, specifically failing to employ proper soundings, but he was not suspended due to his cooperation and good record. The wreck, situated at depths of 23 to 39 feet, became a notable underwater site, later used for target practice during WWII. Declared a Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve in 1994 and added to the US National Register of Historic Places in 2001, the Copenhagen remains a significant maritime relic off Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, reflecting early 20th-century cargo shipping and navigational challenges.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.