Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Panther C 138004

Explore the wreck of the Panther, a wooden steamship that sank in 1916, resting in Lake Superior’s depths. A site rich in maritime history and diving opportunities.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Panther
  • Type: Wooden Steamship
  • Year Built: 1890
  • Builder: West Bay City, Michigan
  • Dimensions: Length: 247.6 ft (75.5 m); Beam: 35.8 ft (10.9 m); Depth of hold: 22.2 ft (6.8 m)
  • Registered Tonnage: 1,634 tons
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 30 m / 100 ft
  • Location: Whitefish Bay, Michigan, USA
  • Coordinates: N46° 38.301′, W84° 48.370′
  • Official Number: C138004
  • Original Owners: American Steam Ship Company, Massey Steam Ship Company
  • Number of Masts: Not specified

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

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.

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.

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.

Significant Incidents

  • 1906: The Panther’s rudder became disabled near Port Hope, Michigan, requiring towing and repairs.
  • 1910: The Panther sank near Garden Island in Lake Michigan but was salvaged and rebuilt.
  • 1916: The Panther collided with the James J. Hill in dense fog, leading to its sinking.

Final Disposition

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.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Panther serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by early 20th-century vessels. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and engage in no-touch documentation methods, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.

Resources & Links

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.