Robert C. Pringle (1903, Tug/Package Freighter)

Identification & Site Information

• Original Name: Chequamegon
• Other Names Pere Marquette 7 (1911–1918) Robert C. Pringle (1918–1922)
• Year Built: 1903
• Builder: Manitowoc Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
• Type of Ship: Originally a package freighter, later converted into a Tugboat
• Hull Material: Wood
• Dimensions: Details not provided but typical for package freighters of this size.

Service History

1. Chequamegon (1903–1911):  Initially served as a package freighter transporting goods between Ashland, Wisconsin, and the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior.  Owned briefly by Frederick Pabst (of Pabst Brewing fame) from 1904 to 1908, during which it transported passengers between Milwaukee and Whitefish Bay Park, a recreational area and picnic destination.

2. Pere Marquette 7 (1911–1918): Sold in 1911 and returned to package freight service for seven years.

3. Robert C. Pringle (1918–1922):  Purchased by Pringle Barge Line of Cleveland, Ohio, in 1918.  Converted into a Tugboat for towing operations on the Great Lakes.  Continued towing work until her sinking in 1922.

Final Voyage

• Date of Loss: June 19, 1922
• Location: Approximately 12 miles north of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, in Lake Michigan.
• Cause: Struck a submerged object while towing the Steamer Venezuela.
• The Tug sank almost immediately, but the crew was successfully rescued by the Venezuela.
• Depth of Wreck: Approx. 91 metres (300 feet).

Historical Context

The Robert C. Pringle exemplifies the versatility of early 20th-century vessels, having served in multiple roles—first as a package freighter, then a passenger vessel, and finally a Tug. Her Conversion to a Tug reflects the changing economic demands on the Great Lakes, where older freighters were frequently adapted for towing or other specialized tasks.

The circumstances of her sinking highlight the hazards of towing operations on the Great Lakes, particularly the risk of collision with submerged debris or obstacles, which were common at the time due to limited underwater mapping.

Current Status of the Wreck

Condition: The wreck lies in 300 feet (91 metres) of water, a depth suitable for technical divers with advanced training.

Known Features: Due to the immediate sinking, the wreck is believed to remain mostly intact, preserving the structure of this early 20th-century wooden Tug.

Diving Information: As of now, the wreck is not widely documented or explored, but its deep location makes it a candidate for advanced underwater exploration.

Significance

The Robert C. Pringle is a significant artifact of the Great Lakes maritime heritage, representing the multifaceted roles of wooden vessels during this era. Her service as a package freighter, passenger carrier, and Tugboat offers a window into the evolving needs of commerce and recreation on the Great Lakes.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Wisconsin Shipwrecks
• National Museum of the Great Lakes
• Zac Whitrock – Sketchfab
• Wikipedia – Robert C Pringle

Conclusion

The Robert C. Pringle, formerly Chequamegon and Pere Marquette 7, had a diverse career before her untimely sinking in 1922. Located off Sheboygan in Lake Michigan, the wreck holds historical importance as a versatile wooden vessel that adapted to the changing demands of the Great Lakes maritime industry. Further exploration could provide valuable insights into her construction and final moments.

3D Model

Robert C. Pringle (1903) by Zach Whitrock on Sketchfab