Commemorating the 49th Anniversary of the Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald

 On November 10, Americans are turning their attention to an iconic yet tragic event in Great Lakes history: the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald. Nearly half a century ago, this American Great Lakes freighter was lost beneath the stormy waves of Lake Superior, taking with it the lives of all 29 crew members. The incident has left a lasting impact on maritime history and continues to captivate public interest, especially around this time each year. With people gathering on social media to share memories, facts, and tributes, the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald lives on, shrouded in mystery, respect, and remembrance.

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A Record-Breaking Workhorse of the Great Lakes

When the Edmund Fitzgerald was launched on June 7, 1958, she was the largest freighter on North America’s Great Lakes, designed to haul massive loads of taconite, a type of iron ore. At the time, the ship set new standards in size and cargo capacity. During her 17 years of operation, the Fitzgerald regularly traveled from Duluth, Minnesota, to industrial centers like Detroit, Michigan, and Toledo, Ohio, frequently breaking haul records and earning her place as a "workhorse" of the lakes. Her enormous size and sleek design, along with Captain Peter Pulcer’s practice of playing music over the intercom, earned her the nickname “Mighty Fitz” and a special place in the hearts of boat watchers around the Soo Locks and beyond.

The Fateful Voyage: November 9-10, 1975

On her last journey, the Edmund Fitzgerald departed from Superior, Wisconsin, under the command of Captain Ernest M. McSorley, a seasoned Great Lakes sailor who planned to retire at the end of the year. Loaded with 26,116 tons of taconite pellets, the Fitzgerald set out with the SS Arthur M. Anderson, another freighter, as company. At first, weather reports suggested the storm might pass south of Lake Superior, but by the early morning of November 10, warnings were upgraded to severe.

Throughout the day, the two ships faced growing waves and high winds, pushing Captain McSorley to reduce speed as conditions worsened. Craig Baird, a historian who shared the story in a Twitter thread, recounted the communication exchanges between the two vessels, describing how the Fitzgerald reported significant difficulties by the afternoon, including a list (lean) in the water, failed radars, and water coming over the deck. Despite these challenges, Captain McSorley’s final message to the Anderson was calm: “We are holding our own.”

Moments later, the Anderson lost contact with the Fitzgerald. At around 7:10 p.m., the ship vanished from radar. A search ensued, but no survivors or bodies were ever recovered. Debris, life rafts, and lifeboats were all that remained on the water’s surface. On November 14, the wreck was discovered in Canadian waters, lying broken in two large pieces under 160 meters of water.

Theories and Mysteries Surrounding the Sinking

The exact cause of the Fitzgerald's sinking remains unknown. Several theories have been proposed, including structural failure, cargo flooding, grounding on a hidden shoal, or even the possibility of being hit by rogue waves, often referred to as "The Three Sisters." The Arthur M. Anderson’s captain, who had been tracking the Fitzgerald, reported seeing massive waves heading in the direction of the freighter shortly before it disappeared. Despite exhaustive studies, the sinking’s specifics are still unresolved, contributing to the enduring fascination and mystique of the tragedy.

Lasting Impact: Safety Regulations and Gordon Lightfoot’s Tribute

The sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald was a wake-up call for the shipping industry on the Great Lakes. In response, regulatory changes were implemented to enhance safety, including mandatory survival suits, better positioning systems, and more frequent inspections of vessels. These reforms aimed to prevent future tragedies of similar scale.

In popular culture, the disaster became widely known thanks to Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, whose haunting ballad, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, memorialized the event. Released in 1976, the song captures the eerie essence of the tragedy and remains one of Lightfoot’s most famous works, resonating with audiences worldwide. Lightfoot was inspired to write the song after reading about the sinking in Newsweek, where he felt that the misspelling of the ship’s name dishonored those who had perished.

The Legacy and Annual Remembrance

Each year on November 10, the memory of the Edmund Fitzgerald is honored, especially in Michigan and areas surrounding the Great Lakes. The Whitefish Point Shipwreck Museum, which typically closes for the season at the end of October, reopens for the day, allowing historians and visitors to pay their respects and learn about the events of 1975. Social media fills with tributes, including tweets like those from Craig Baird and other enthusiasts, who share detailed threads recounting the ship’s storied history and tragic end. As Baird noted, the Fitzgerald’s legacy is both a tale of maritime pride and a sobering reminder of the dangers of the Great Lakes.

Twitter has been buzzing with posts, as users reflect on the ship’s history and the crew members lost. Here are some notable tweets:

• Craig Baird - Canadian History Ehx (@CraigBaird): “On this day in 1975, the Edmund Fitzgerald sank beneath the waves of Lake Superior during a massive storm. The sinking took the lives of all 29 men on the ship, and became immortalized in Gordon Lightfoot’s song. Let's learn more about this tragedy.”

• Steve (@lukenss04): “Crazy that the History Channel ‘On this day in history’ calendar didn’t mention the Edmund Fitzgerald, instead focusing on the invention of windshield wipers in 1903.”

• Mike Follows (@MikeFollowsNo1): “The Whitefish Point museum typically closes for the season on October 31st. Every year though, on November 10th, they reopen for the day and have historians and experts come educate about the events of 1975. RIP Fitz 29.”

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As we mark the 49th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, the story remains a profound chapter in Great Lakes maritime history. The Mighty Fitz serves as a reminder of both the marvels and perils of lake navigation, immortalized in music and commemorated annually by those who remember the day she was lost to the waters of Gitche Gumee. For the families, historians, and those who sail the Great Lakes, the memory of the Fitzgerald and her 29 crew members endures—a symbol of courage, loss, and the unforgiving power of nature.