The tale of the Edmund Fitzgerald stands as one of the most mysterious and controversial shipwreck stories of the Great Lakes, rivaled in cultural impact only by that of the Titanic. Since her tragic sinking on November 10, 1975, the Fitzgerald has inspired numerous narratives in books, films, and songs, most notably through Gordon Lightfoot’s haunting ballad, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” released in 1976.
The Final Voyage
The Edmund Fitzgerald met her fate on Lake Superior, approximately 17 miles north-northwest of Whitefish Point, Michigan, with all 29 crew members on board. Her last journey commenced on November 9, 1975, from the Burlington Northern Railroad Dock in Superior, Wisconsin. Captain Ernest M. McSorley loaded the vessel with 26,116 long tons of taconite pellets—processed iron ore rolled into marble-sized balls. Departing around 2:30 PM, the Fitzgerald was joined by the Arthur M. Anderson, captained by Bernie Cooper. The two vessels maintained radio contact as they sailed into increasingly treacherous weather.
With a storm brewing, both captains chose a northerly route across Lake Superior to find shelter along the Canadian shoreline. However, the storm intensified, and by the morning of November 10, gale warnings had escalated to storm warnings, with winds gusting to 50 knots and seas reaching 12 to 16 feet.
As the storm continued to batter the lakes, the Fitzgerald encountered treacherous conditions. At approximately 3:30 PM, Captain McSorley radioed Captain Cooper, reporting that the Fitzgerald had sustained damage: “I have a fence rail down, two vents lost or damaged, and a list.” McSorley assured Cooper that they were using their pumps to manage the flooding.
A Growing Crisis
Throughout the day, communication between the two vessels remained steady. However, by the time of their last exchange at 7:10 PM, the situation had deteriorated significantly. Captain Cooper, noting the rising seas, felt a “bump” and observed monstrous waves that engulfed the Anderson. The radar system struggled to track the Fitzgerald as the storm continued to obscure visibility.
When the Fitzgerald ceased responding around 7:22 PM, Captain Cooper’s concern grew. Despite the Anderson reaching the safety of Whitefish Bay, Captain Cooper initiated contact with the Coast Guard, emphasizing his alarm over the missing vessel. As darkness enveloped the lake, search efforts began, but no trace of the Fitzgerald could be found amid the raging storm.
Search and Discovery
The Coast Guard launched an extensive search, deploying aircraft and vessels to comb the waters. Despite challenging conditions, the Anderson and a few other ships retrieved debris and lifeboats but found no sign of survivors. Over the following days, the Coast Guard and U.S. Navy employed sonar technology to locate the wreck, leading to the discovery of the Fitzgerald on November 14, 1975. The wreckage lay 535 feet below the surface, upside down.
In May 1976, the U.S. Navy used a remote-controlled underwater vehicle to capture images of the wreck, clearly displaying the name “Edmund Fitzgerald.” This discovery brought forth more questions than answers.
Theories and Controversies
In April 1977, the U.S. Coast Guard released its official report on the sinking. While they could not pinpoint an exact cause, they speculated that the ship lost buoyancy and stability due to flooding in the cargo hold, attributed to ineffective hatch closures. However, the Lake Carrier’s Association disputed this, arguing that crew negligence could not be solely blamed for the disaster. Conflicting theories abound, suggesting that the ship may have struck the notorious Six Fathom Shoal, as reported by Captain Cooper, leading to the fatal flooding.
Despite numerous expeditions and investigations, the true cause of the Fitzgerald’s demise remains elusive. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS) has conducted several dives to the wreck, revealing evidence that suggests the ship may have submarined bow-first into a massive wave.
A Lasting Legacy
The Edmund Fitzgerald remains an enduring symbol of the perils of Great Lakes shipping. Her 200-pound bronze bell was recovered in 1995 and is now displayed at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Whitefish Point, serving as a poignant memorial to the 29 men lost on that fateful night. The mystery surrounding the shipwreck has sparked countless discussions and inquiries, cementing the Fitzgerald’s place in maritime history.
As stories and theories continue to circulate, the Edmund Fitzgerald serves as a reminder of the Great Lakes’ unpredictable nature and the bravery of those who navigate its waters.
Learn more about the rich history of the Central Upper Peninsula.
