Identification & Site Information

• • Vessel Name: Panther
• • Vessel Type: Wooden Steamship
• • Built: 1890, West Bay City, Michigan
• • Dimensions:
• • Length: 247.6 feet (75.5 m)
• • Beam: 35.8 feet (10.9 m)
• • Depth: 22.2 feet (6.8 m)
• • Gross Tonnage: 1,634 tons
• • Final Resting Place: Whitefish Bay, Michigan, USA, Lake Superior
• • Coordinates: N46° 38.301’, W84° 48.370’
• • Depth Range: 90 to 100 feet (27 to 30 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The Panther was a large wooden Steamship, a workhorse of its time, designed to transport bulk cargoes such as grain across the Great Lakes. Built for durability and capacity, the vessel underwent multiple modifications and ownership changes, adapting to the evolving demands of maritime commerce.

History

Construction and Early Years (1890-1899):

• Launched in West Bay City, Michigan, the Panther was initially sold in May 1891 to owners in Toledo, Ohio.

• By 1899, Leander Burdick and partners from Toledo took ownership, marking the beginning of the ship’s busy career in freight transport.

Modifications and Challenges:

• By 1901, the Panther had grown to 247.6 feet in length, reflecting its adaptation for larger cargoes.

• 1906 Incident: The Panther’s rudder became disabled near Port Hope, Michigan. It was towed to Harbor Beach by the Tug Fisher and later taken to Milwaukee for repairs.

• 1910 Sinking: The Panther sank near Garden Island in Lake Michigan but was salvaged and Rebuilt in 1912 at the Leatham D.S. Smith shipyard in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. The reconstruction included deepening the Hull by 3 feet and 8 inches.

Ownership Changes:

• In 1916, the Panther was sold to the American Steam Ship Company of Milwaukee and later transferred to the Massey Steam Ship Company of Fort William, Ontario. It was officially registered under Canadian number C138004.

Final Voyage and Sinking (June 26, 1916):

• While carrying a cargo of grain from Port Arthur to Buffalo, the Panther collided with the Steamer James J. Hill in dense fog near Persian Island in Whitefish Bay.

• The collision was severe, causing the Panther to sink rapidly. Fortunately, the crew of sixteen was rescued by the Hill, which sustained only minor damage.

• The Panther’s recent departure from dry dock and its collision marked the tragic end of a storied career.

Final Resting Place

The Panther’s wreck was located in 1975 in Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior. Resting at a depth of 90 to 100 feet, the site has become a destination for divers and historians interested in Great Lakes maritime history.

Dive Site Description

The Panther’s wreckage, though impacted by its time underwater, offers a glimpse into early 20th-century shipbuilding. Divers can explore:

• Hull Features: The ship’s robust wooden construction.

• Artifacts: Evidence of the vessel’s operational history, including cargo remnants and machinery.

Legacy and Significance

The Panther’s story encapsulates the challenges of Great Lakes navigation, from mechanical failures to collisions in unpredictable weather. Its final voyage underscores the perils of dense fog and heavy traffic on the lakes during the early 20th century.

The wreck of the Panther serves as a poignant reminder of these challenges, offering insights into the resilience of maritime industries and the adaptability of vessels like the Panther.

Resources and References

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website: Comprehensive records on the Panther and similar vessels.
• Save Ontario Shipwrecks (SOS): Information on preservation and diving opportunities for Great Lakes shipwrecks.
• Great Lakes Historical Society: Resources on the Panther and the history of Great Lakes navigation.
• 3DShipwrecks – Panther

3D Model – Panther

Panther by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Conclusion

The Panther was a testament to the durability and adaptability of Great Lakes steamships. Despite its tragic end in 1916, its wreck continues to captivate divers and maritime enthusiasts, preserving its story beneath the waves of Lake Superior. The Panther remains a symbol of the innovation and determination that characterized early Great Lakes shipping.

Youtube Video