Lake Superior is the largest of the five freshwater Great Lakes, measuring roughly 350 miles in length. Of the estimated 10,000 shipwrecks at the bottom of the lake, the Edmund Fitzgerald is perhaps the most famous. Owned by the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company in Detroit, the Fitzgerald was a 729-foot iron ore carrier that went down on November 10, 1975.
The vessel departed from Superior, Wisconsin, carrying a full load of iron ore destined for a steel mill in Detroit and was en route to a port in Ontario, Canada when it encountered severe weather. Despite a warning from the National Weather Service that a heavy storm was on its way, the ship’s captain chose to sail. The vessel was reported missing in the early hours of November 11, 1975, and its wreckage was discovered at a depth of 530 feet in the central portion of the lake.
The Edmund Fitzgerald’s actual depth in Lake Superior when it first sank is a matter of some debate. According to some sources, the ship was at a depth of 530 feet when it first hit the lake’s bottom. Other estimates suggest that the ship may have been as deep as 550 feet prior to its demise. The disparity between these estimates can be attributed to the fact that due to substantial currents in the lake, the ship could have been moved in the time between its sinking and the time that its exact location was determined.
Experts suggest that there are likely to be many more wrecks in deeper parts of the lake, which means that the Edmund Fitzgerald may not be the only ship sunken in the depths of Lake Superior. Due to the limited visibility of the deep waters and the extreme depths of the lake, these wrecks are significantly harder to locate. This means that despite the many technological advances made in underwater exploration, the full scope of Lake Superior’s secrets remain elusive.
One thing is for sure: the Edmund Fitzgerald is the deepest of all known shipwrecks in the lake. As such, it serves as a poignant reminder that while technology can be used to explore the depths of the lake, it is also possible to discover new and undiscovered secrets of the lake.
The tragedy of the Edmund Fitzgerald has resonated with people for decades. While there is still much debate about the actual depth of the vessel when it first sank, it is clear that the wreck provides an important reminder of the power of nature in a fierce maritime environment.
Edmund Fitzgerald Search Parties
In the days and weeks following the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, search parties set out to find the ship. This included dozens of vessels from the Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy. Unfortunately, the search was ultimately unsuccessful due to the depths of the lake, the treacherousness of the conditions and the lack of specialized equipment at the time.
The search parties focused primarily on marking the location of the wreck and looking for human remains, as the Fitzgerald was known to have carried 29 passengers at the time of its sinking. However, due to the depths of the lake and the limited visibility, it was impossible to find any evidence of survivors.
Despite the search efforts, the location of the wreck was ultimately determined by the Canadian Hydrographic Service. Working with an unmanned submarine and advanced sonar equipment, the Service was able to locate and confirm the exact location of the wreck.
Edmund Fitzgerald Controversy
The sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald has been a source of controversy since the day it disappeared. At the time, many blamed the ship’s captain and crew for the tragedy, citing inexperience and negligence. Others point to design flaws in the ship’s hull, and the lack of maintenance and improper loading as potential causes of the sinking.
In the years since, experts have performed extensive research on the Fitzgerald’s sinking. This research has raised the possibility that the wreck was the result of an external force such as a ship collision or an underwater explosion. However, due to the depths of the lake and the limited visibility, it is impossible to determine the cause of the sinking conclusively.
To this day, the circumstances surrounding the Fitzgerald’s demise are shrouded in mystery. There remain many unanswered questions about the true cause of the wreck and it seems unlikely that these will ever be answered.
Edmund Fitzgerald Legacy
The sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald left many bereaved families and helped to shape the Great Lakes’ identity. Since the sinking, the Fitzgerald has become a symbol of the power and beauty of the Great Lakes region, as well as a cautionary tale about the dangers of maritime life.
The shipwreck has also been immortalized in song, and in books and documentaries which tell the story of its sinking. These works serve as a constant reminder of the tragedy, and of the respect and caution we should have when working on or near large bodies of water.
The Edmund Fitzgerald lives on in the memories of those lost and the hearts of those who honor and commemorate its history. Though its true resting place may remain a mystery forever, the Fitzgerald will always be remembered as a symbol of the power of Lake Superior.
Edmund Fitzgerald Comparisons
Comparisons can be drawn between the Edmund Fitzgerald and other Great Lakes shipwrecks. For example, the wreck of the Niagara is generally thought to be the oldest known shipwreck in the Great Lakes. The Niagara, a brig-rigged schooner, was built in 1797 and foundered in 1820 at a depth of 130 feet in Lake Erie.
By contrast, the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald was located at a depth of 530 feet in Lake Superior and despite advances in technology, it remains the deepest known wreck in the Great Lakes. It is also the largest, measuring 729 feet long, and the most famous, with its story immortalized in song and other forms of media.
Comparisons can also be drawn between the conditions under which the two ships foundered. The Niagara foundered in a low-visibility environment due to a prolonged period of treacherous weather. Similarly, the Edmund Fitzgerald encountered a severe storm prior to its demise, though it is unknown whether this was the direct cause of the sinking.
Public Response
The sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald shocked the world and spawned numerous memorials and tributes to the victims of the wreck. Memorial services were held in Canada, the United States and several countries abroad. In the years that followed, memorials such as the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Lighthouse in Canadian waters were established to commemorate those lost.
The Edmund Fitzgerald’s story has been told countless times and has become a symbol of the dangers of maritime life. Its legacy is preserved in memorials, songs and media, with its story serving as an important reminder of the power of nature. The Edmund Fitzgerald is a lasting reminder that while the depths of the lake often remain a mystery, the power of nature must always be respected.
Personal Insights
The Edmund Fitzgerald is a tragic reminder of the power of nature in a fierce maritime environment. Despite decades of research and technological advances, the true depth of the ship when it first sank remains a mystery. It is a testament to the power of the lake, and to the respect we must all have for the deep waters.
The Edmund Fitzgerald is also a reminder that there are still many undiscovered shipwrecks at the bottom of the lake, some of which may be even deeper than the Fitzgerald. The potential for discovery and exploration is almost unlimited, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting the beauty and mysteries of Lake Superior.
The Edmund Fitzgerald will always be remembered as a symbol of the power and beauty of the Great Lakes. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of maritime life, and an important reminder of the respect that we must all have for the deep waters of the lake.
