The SS Edmund Fitzgerald: A Tale of Tragedy and Remembrance on Lake Superior

Introduction:

The SS Edmund Fitzgerald was a legendary American Great Lakes freighter that met its tragic end on November 10, 1975, in a fierce storm on Lake Superior. This iconic vessel has captured the imagination and captivated the hearts of maritime enthusiasts and historians alike. Join us on a journey through the history, the fateful voyage, and the enduring legacy of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald.

Historical Significance:

The SS Edmund Fitzgerald was the largest and most advanced freighter on the Great Lakes at the time of its construction in 1958. Built by the Great Lakes Engineering Works in River Rouge, Michigan, the vessel boasted an impressive length of 729 feet and a displacement of 26,116 tons. It was powered by a massive steam turbine engine that generated 13,000 horsepower and could propel the freighter at speeds of up to 16 knots.

The Fateful Voyage:

On November 9, 1975, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald departed from Superior, Wisconsin, bound for Detroit, Michigan, with a cargo of 26,116 tons of taconite iron ore pellets. The ship was commanded by Captain Ernest McSorley, an experienced mariner with over 40 years of service on the Great Lakes.

As the freighter sailed across Lake Superior, a strong cold front moved into the region, bringing high winds, heavy waves, and rapidly deteriorating visibility. By 7:10 PM on November 10, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald reported its last known position near Whitefish Point, Michigan.

The Storm:

Around 8:00 PM, the freighter encountered the full force of the storm. Winds reached speeds of up to 60 knots, and waves towered over 30 feet. The ship's hull began to crack and leak, and its hatches were damaged, allowing water to flood into the cargo holds.

The Last Transmission:

At 8:09 PM, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald sent its last distress call: "We are holding our own." However, only 13 minutes later, the vessel vanished from radar screens, taking all 29 crew members with it.

The Search and Recovery:

A massive search and recovery operation was launched immediately following the disappearance of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald. However, due to the extreme weather conditions and the depth of the lake (over 500 feet), it took two months to locate the wreckage.

The ship was found in two main pieces lying upside down on the lake bottom. The bow section was in relatively good condition, but the stern section was heavily damaged. The crew's bodies were never recovered.

The Investigation:

An extensive investigation was conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to determine the cause of the sinking. The official report concluded that the SS Edmund Fitzgerald likely succumbed to a combination of factors, including:

• A weakened hull due to previous damage
• A large wave that broke over the bow, damaging the hatches
• Flooding in the cargo holds that caused the ship to lose stability

The Legacy:

The sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald remains one of the most tragic maritime disasters in Great Lakes history. The ship's loss has been immortalized in songs, poems, and books, and it continues to fascinate and captivate people to this day.

The tragedy has also served as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by mariners who navigate the treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.

Remembering the Crew

The 29 crew members who perished aboard the SS Edmund Fitzgerald were:

• Captain Ernest McSorley
• First Mate James Mateuszak
• Second Mate Richard Ormiston
• Third Mate Edward Stefanich
• Fourth Mate Donald Lund
• Chief Engineer Joseph Hazelwood
• First Assistant Engineer Philip O'Brien
• Second Assistant Engineer Michael Armagost
• Third Assistant Engineer Arthur Jones
• Quartermaster Charles Murphy
• Quartermaster Thomas Hearty
• Oiler Michael Hunn
• Oiler Dennis Green
• Fireman John Szymanski
• Fireman Roger Tousignant
• Fireman Kenneth Kowalski
• Deckhand David Dennis
• Deckhand Eugene Johnson
• Deckhand William Mahoney
• Deckhand Robert Rafferty
• Deckhand Gary Shemanski
• Deckhand Karl Bostick
• Deckhand Thomas Schwalm
• Steward Paul Thurman
• Oiler Walter Mattson
• Cooks Gary Eckblad and James Hanson

Tips and Tricks for Visiting the SS Edmund Fitzgerald Memorials

• Plan your visit: The SS Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial is located in Whitefish Point, Michigan, and is open year-round. Check the website for hours and admission fees.
• Take a guided tour: Guided tours of the memorial are available during the summer months. These tours provide a fascinating insight into the history of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald and its tragic fate.
• Visit the maritime museum: The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Museum, located in Whitefish Point, provides a comprehensive collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the SS Edmund Fitzgerald and other shipwrecks on the Great Lakes.
• Attend the annual memorial service: Every November, a memorial service is held at the SS Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial to honor the crew members who perished.
• Be respectful: The SS Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial is a solemn place of remembrance. Please be respectful of the site and the memory of those who lost their lives.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting the SS Edmund Fitzgerald Memorials

• Don't wander off the designated trails: The SS Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial is located in a fragile ecosystem. Please stay on the designated trails to avoid disturbing the natural environment.
• Don't climb on the memorial: The SS Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial is a monument to the crew members who lost their lives. Please do not climb on or vandalize the memorial.
• Don't litter: Please dispose of your trash properly in the designated receptacles.
• Don't bring pets: Pets are not allowed at the SS Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial.
• Be aware of the weather: The weather on Lake Superior can change quickly. Please be prepared for rain, wind, or cold temperatures.

Why the SS Edmund Fitzgerald Matters

The sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald is a reminder of the dangers and challenges faced by mariners who navigate the Great Lakes. The tragedy has also sparked important discussions about ship safety and the importance of remembering those who have lost their lives at sea.

The SS Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial serves as a poignant tribute to the crew members who perished. It is a place where visitors can learn about the history of the ship and reflect on the importance of safety on the water.

Benefits of Visiting the SS Edmund Fitzgerald Memorials:

• Gain a deeper understanding of the history of the Great Lakes: The SS Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Museum provide a wealth of information about the history of shipping on the Great Lakes.
• Learn about the dangers of maritime travel: The sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald is a reminder of the risks faced by mariners who navigate the Great Lakes.
• Pay tribute to the crew members who perished: The SS Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial is a place where visitors can honor the memory of the crew members who lost their lives.
• Reconnect with nature: The SS Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial is located in a beautiful natural setting on the shores of Lake Superior.

Pros and Cons of Visiting the SS Edmund Fitzgerald Memorials

Pros:

• Historical significance: The SS Edmund Fitzgerald is one of the most iconic ships in Great Lakes history. Visiting the memorial is a chance to learn about its tragic fate and the history of shipping on the Great Lakes.
• Beautiful setting: The SS Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial is located on the shores of Lake Superior, offering stunning views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.
• Educational opportunity: The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Museum provides a wealth of information about the SS Edmund Fitzgerald and other shipwrecks on the Great Lakes.
• Respect for the dead: The SS Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial is a place where visitors can pay tribute to the crew members who lost their lives.

Cons:

• Remote location: The SS Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial is located in a remote area of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It can be a long drive to get to the memorial, especially from major cities.
• Weather conditions: The weather on Lake Superior can be unpredictable. Be prepared for rain, wind, or cold temperatures when visiting the memorial.
• Seasonal access: The SS Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial is only accessible during the summer months.
• Limited amenities: There are few amenities available at the SS Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial. Be sure to bring your own food and water.

Conclusion

The SS Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy remains a haunting reminder of the dangers and challenges faced by mariners who navigate the Great Lakes. The ship's loss has been immortalized in songs, poems, and books, and it continues to fascinate and captivate people to this day.

The SS Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial is a poignant tribute to the crew members who perished. It is a place where visitors can learn about the history of the ship, reflect on the importance of safety on the water, and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives at sea.