SS Edmund Fitzgerald: The Full Story Of The Great Lakes Shipwreck

Introduction

The SS Edmund Fitzgerald, a 729-foot ore carrier, sank in Lake Superior on November 10, 1975, claiming the lives of all 29 crew members. The tragedy remains one of the most famous shipwrecks in Great Lakes history. This article delves into the story of the Fitzgerald, exploring its construction, service history, the events leading up to its sinking, the aftermath, and the enduring legacy of the wreck.

Construction and Early Career

The SS Edmund Fitzgerald was built by the Great Lakes Engineering Works in River Rouge, Michigan. Launched on June 7, 1958, she was the largest ship on the Great Lakes at the time. The Fitzgerald was named after the president and chairman of Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, which had provided the funds for the ship's construction.

Key Features of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald

• Dimensions: 729 feet long, 75 feet wide
• Capacity: Over 25,000 tons of iron ore pellets
• Speed: Approximately 16 miles per hour
• Notable for: Being the largest ship on the Great Lakes upon its launch

Service History

For nearly two decades, the Fitzgerald hauled taconite iron ore pellets from mines near Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, to steel mills in Detroit and Toledo, Ohio. She was a workhorse of the Great Lakes, making hundreds of trips and establishing a reputation for reliability.

The Fateful Voyage: November 9-10, 1975

The Fitzgerald departed Superior, Wisconsin, on the afternoon of November 9, 1975, bound for Detroit with a full cargo of taconite pellets. The Arthur M. Anderson, another ore carrier, followed closely behind. — Harlandale Civic Center: Events & Info

Weather Conditions

The Great Lakes are notorious for their unpredictable and severe weather. On November 10, the Fitzgerald and the Anderson encountered a powerful storm with gale-force winds and towering waves. Conditions deteriorated rapidly, with winds gusting over 70 miles per hour and waves reaching heights of 35 feet.

Radio Communications

Throughout the day, the captains of the Fitzgerald and the Anderson communicated regularly. Captain Ernest M. McSorley of the Fitzgerald reported that his ship was taking on water and had developed a list (a tilt to one side). He also mentioned that the ship's radar was not functioning correctly, making navigation in the storm even more challenging.

The Final Moments

The last radio contact with the Fitzgerald occurred at approximately 7:10 p.m. Captain McSorley reported that they were "holding their own." Just minutes later, the Fitzgerald vanished from the Anderson's radar. No distress signal was ever received.

The Search and Discovery

After the Fitzgerald failed to arrive at its destination, a search was launched. The wreckage was located on November 14, 1975, in 530 feet of water, about 17 miles from Whitefish Point, Michigan.

Initial Findings

The Fitzgerald was found in two large pieces, with the bow section lying upright and the stern section inverted. The extensive damage indicated a catastrophic structural failure.

Investigations and Findings

Both the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted investigations into the sinking. The investigations focused on several potential causes, including:

• Structural Failure: The ship's hull may have weakened over time due to repeated stress and corrosion.
• Flooding: Water entering the cargo holds could have destabilized the ship.
• Rogue Wave: An exceptionally large wave could have overwhelmed the Fitzgerald.
• Bottom Damage: The ship may have struck a shoal (an underwater ridge or sandbar).

Official Cause

The Coast Guard concluded that the most probable cause of the sinking was the ingress of water through improperly closed cargo hatch covers. The NTSB, however, cited the primary cause as the sudden plunging of the vessel into a large wave, with the improperly closed hatches as a contributing factor.

The Crew and Their Legacy

The loss of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald claimed the lives of 29 men. The crew members were experienced sailors, many with decades of service on the Great Lakes. Their names are etched in maritime history, and their memory is honored each year on the anniversary of the sinking. — Dolphins Vs. Jaguars: Clash Of The Fins In Florida

Notable Crew Members

• Captain Ernest M. McSorley: A highly respected captain with over 40 years of experience on the Great Lakes.
• First Mate John McCarthy: Second in command and responsible for the ship's navigation.
• Chief Engineer George Holl: Responsible for the ship's mechanical systems.

Memorials and Remembrance

Numerous memorials have been erected to honor the crew of the Fitzgerald, including the Mariner's Church of Detroit, which rings its bell 29 times each year on November 10. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society at Whitefish Point also features an exhibit dedicated to the Fitzgerald.

Cultural Impact

The sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald has had a lasting impact on popular culture, most notably through Gordon Lightfoot's 1976 ballad, "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." The song immortalized the tragedy and helped to keep the memory of the Fitzgerald and its crew alive.

"The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" by Gordon Lightfoot

The song tells the story of the Fitzgerald's final voyage, capturing the drama and mystery of the sinking. It has become an iconic piece of maritime music and a tribute to the lost crew.

Lessons Learned and Safety Improvements

The sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald led to significant changes in Great Lakes shipping regulations and safety practices. These include:

Regulatory Changes

• Improved Hatch Cover Design: New designs were implemented to ensure more watertight seals.
• Mandatory Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs): These devices automatically transmit a distress signal in the event of a sinking.
• Increased Inspections: More frequent and thorough inspections of vessels were mandated.

Enhanced Safety Practices

• Weather Monitoring: Improved weather forecasting and communication systems were adopted.
• Crew Training: Enhanced training programs were implemented to prepare crews for severe weather conditions.

Conclusion

The sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald remains a poignant reminder of the power of nature and the risks faced by those who work on the Great Lakes. The tragedy led to significant improvements in maritime safety, and the memory of the Fitzgerald and its crew continues to inspire and educate. The story of the Fitzgerald serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of learning from the past.

Key Takeaways

• The SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior on November 10, 1975, claiming the lives of all 29 crew members.
• The cause of the sinking remains a subject of debate, but factors such as structural failure, flooding, and severe weather likely played a role.
• The tragedy led to significant changes in Great Lakes shipping regulations and safety practices.
• The memory of the Fitzgerald and its crew is preserved through memorials, museums, and Gordon Lightfoot's iconic song.

FAQ

1. What caused the SS Edmund Fitzgerald to sink?

The exact cause is still debated, but likely factors include structural failure, flooding due to improperly closed hatch covers, and severe weather conditions.

2. When did the SS Edmund Fitzgerald sink?

The ship sank on November 10, 1975.

3. How many crew members were lost on the SS Edmund Fitzgerald?

All 29 crew members perished in the sinking.

4. Where did the SS Edmund Fitzgerald sink?

The ship sank in Lake Superior, about 17 miles from Whitefish Point, Michigan.

5. What was the SS Edmund Fitzgerald carrying?

The ship was carrying a full cargo of taconite iron ore pellets.

6. What song is about the SS Edmund Fitzgerald?

Gordon Lightfoot's "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" is a famous ballad about the tragedy.

7. What safety improvements were made after the sinking?

Improvements included enhanced hatch cover designs, mandatory EPIRBs, increased inspections, better weather monitoring, and improved crew training. — Lions Game Score: Last Night's Results & Highlights