The Panther Shipwreck New York and New Jersey's (Wreck Valley)

The Panther Shipwreck New York and New Jersey's (Wreck Valley)

Historical and current New York and New Jersey Shipwreck Information and images for scuba divers and fisherman.

PANTHER

The ocean going tug Panther was built in 1870. She was 191 feet long had a 36 foot beam and displaced 712 tons. It was August 23,1893, when the Panther with 20 crew members on board was en route from Boston to Philadelphia. She encountered gale force winds. In tow were the barges Lykens Valley and Victor. According to a survivor and as reported in the NEW YORK TIMES, the Panther "sprang a leak in the big storm....She filled so rapidly that there was no hope of saving her.... The crew of 20 barely had time to adjust life preservers when she sank". Another survivor reported the following saga in his report to TIMES reporters: "After we had all climbed into the rigging the seas kept coming mountain high, sweeping clean over the boat. It took the men off the rigging like flies."

Today, the Panther sits in 55 to 60 feet of water, four miles out of Shinnecock Inlet. She lies on a sand bottom with her propeller partially buried, steam engine and boiler provide the highest relief on the site. All of her remains rest in a straight line making navigation easy.

Al Bohem with two huge lobsters caught while diving the Panther Wreck. Photo courtesy Steve Bielenda

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