Lake Name: Lake Superior
Shipwreck Name: Panther
Underwater Photos
Vessel Type: Wooden Steamer
Location: Whitefish Bay, MI
Vessel Build Info: 1890, Jas. Davidson, W. Bay City, MI hull# 35 US# 150497
Shipwreck Specs: 237x36x19, 1373gc 1118nc
Official Number: C138004
Names Other: none
Sinking Detail
In a fog on June 27, 1916, the downbound 237-foot, 1,373-ton wooden steamer Panther met the upbound 478-foot, 6,025-ton steel James J. Hill. The Hill rammed the wooden vessel amidships and stayed in contact with the panther long enough for the crew of the Panther to escape. The Hill then slowly backed off and the Panther sank six miles southeast of Whitefish Point.
Loss Date: 6/27/1916
Loss Place: off Whitefish Point
Loss Life: none
Loss Reason: Collision
Vessel Cargo: Grain
Shipwreck Description
249 ft wooden steamer sits upright and partially intact with the decks collapsed. Items such as tools, dishes and portholes may be viewed on the desk. The more intact stern offers the engine, smokestack, boiler, winch, stove and much of the cargo.
Dive Type: Recreational
Depth Deck(ft): 88 ft
Depth Bottom(ft): 110 ft
Depth Deck(m): 27 m
Depth Bottom(m): 34 m