Identification & Site Information

  • Name: Steam Screw Panama (formerly John Craig)
  • Type: Steam Screw Freighter
  • Built: 1888, Trenton, Michigan
  • Builder: Unknown
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 275 feet (83.8 meters)
    • Beam (Width): 41.6 feet (12.7 meters)
    • Depth: 20.4 feet (6.2 meters)
    • Gross Tonnage: 2,044 tons
    • Net Tonnage: 1,596 tons
  • Engine Power: 1,000 Indicated horsepower
  • Purpose: Freight Service
  • Final Location: Near Ontonagon, Michigan, Lake Superior
  • Incident Date: November 21, 1906
  • Depth: Not specified; stranded on shore

Vessel Type Description

The Panama was a large steam-powered freighter designed to carry bulk goods across the Great Lakes. Its Screw Propulsion system and robust 1,000-horsepower engine made it capable of enduring long voyages, even in the often harsh and unpredictable conditions of the Great Lakes. Originally christened John Craig, the vessel served reliably for years before being renamed Panama in 1903.

History

The Panama (then John Craig) was launched in 1888 in Trenton, Michigan, a period of significant growth for the shipping industry on the Great Lakes. With a Gross Tonnage of over 2,000 tons, the freighter was a critical component in the transportation of goods, ranging from coal to grain and other essential commodities.

In 1903, the vessel underwent a renaming and continued to serve in freight operations. Her sturdy construction and powerful engine exemplified the technological advancements of late 19th-century shipbuilding. Despite her utility, she, like all Great Lakes freighters, faced the challenges of navigating the region’s volatile weather and occasionally treacherous waters.

Final Voyage & Incident

On November 21, 1906, while navigating Lake Superior near Ontonagon, Michigan, the Panama encountered a severe issue—a leak that threatened to flood the vessel. The crew of 16 worked tirelessly to control the flooding, but their efforts were ultimately insufficient. The Panama went aground near Ontonagon, sustaining significant structural damage.

Although the incident rendered the ship stranded and irreparable, the crew managed to escape unharmed. The grounding of the Panamahighlighted the perilous nature of Great Lakes navigation, where sudden mechanical failures or leaks could spell disaster, even for experienced crews and sturdy vessels.

Final Disposition

After the grounding, the Panama was Abandoned. It is presumed that the wreck, though damaged extensively, remained near the shore of Lake Superior close to Ontonagon, Michigan. The vessel’s remains have not been documented in detail, and its current condition is unknown.

Historical Significance

The Panama exemplifies the challenges and risks faced by freighters operating on the Great Lakes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her story underscores the critical role of such vessels in regional commerce and the dangers inherent to their operation. The grounding of the Panama serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of Lake Superior and the resilience required of the sailors who navigated these waters.

Resources & Links

  • Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive database of Great Lakes vessels, including records of the Panama.
  • David Swayze Shipwreck File: Extensive listings of shipwrecks, including details on the Panama and other freighters.
  • NOAA Great Lakes Maritime Collection: Historical insights and survey data for Great Lakes shipwrecks.
  • Local Historical Societies: Ontonagon and Lake Superior regional archives may hold additional details or oral histories about the Panama.

Keywords

Panama, John Craig, steam screw freighter, Lake Superior, Ontonagon, shipwreck, 1906 grounding, Great Lakes maritime history, bulk freighter, wooden freighter.